1989:028 - PALERMO ESTATE, Shankill, Dublin

Here the proposed construction of the Shankill-Bray Bypass required that archaeological investigation ensue. Before excavation the site appeared as an irregular grassy bank, with many large trees around its perimeter. The site was identified from an estate map dated to 1753, which showed an octagonal-shaped structure, which was intersected by the Old Connaught Avenue. The aim of the investigation was to ascertain if the structure was an earlier one through which the road was cut, or if in fact it represented an ornamental feature. As one side of the feature had been completely ploughed out, only the remaining half in the grounds of the Palermo estate was investigated. Only one distinct section through the feature was established. On the inner western side of the bank a shallow ditch was uncovered, which measured 1m in depth.The height of the bank in this section was 0.6m. No material of archaeological importance was recovered from the site. Finds consisted of post-medieval delft and corroded iron fragments. A granite bench was found to the west of the feature. It is suggested that the feature represents the remains of an ornamental structure. A watching brief is scheduled for the construction phase of motorway development. Investigation was financed by Dublin County Council.

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