1990:050 - DUBLIN: 15-19 Merchant's Quay, Dublin

Prior to foundation ground works relating to a car park development at the rear of 15/19 Merchant's Quay, Dublin 8, two machine trenches, c. 1.5m wide and of north-south orientation, were excavated under archaeological supervision to assess the archaeological potential of the sue. Specifically, the objective of both of these trenches was to determine if the medieval waterfronts located at Wood Quay extended westward as far as Merchant's Quay.

Although trenching revealed no definite evidence of wooden or stone waterfronts, the marked change in the nature of the archaeological deposits and the disappearance in the level of foreshore remains clearly record the medieval encroachment into the Liffey at this period. This was further evidenced by the remains of a number of insubstantial boundary (?) fences which ran parallel to the River Liffey.

Concentrated amounts of leather off-cuts were uncovered in the sealed medieval deposits close to Colman's Brook. The nature and quality of the recovered assemblage of leather artefacts would appear to indicate the near location of shoe manufacture.

During the course of inspection 162 sherds of medieval pottery were recovered. Dating mostly to the 13th century, 25% were of North West French origin, while the bulk of the remainder consisted of English imports, mainly Ham Green and Wiltshire wares. Local Irish wares were poorly represented.

13 Arranmore Avenue, Phibsborough, Dublin 7