County: Dublin Site name: DUBLIN: Back Lane
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Claire Walsh
Site type: Historic town
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 714922m, N 733931m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.343114, -6.274155
An archaeological excavation at Back Lane, Dublin, was undertaken in advance of redevelopment. The site lies adjacent to Tailor's Hall, where Back Lane forms the junction with High St. The latter has been widened considerably since medieval times, while Back Lane, a narrow thoroughfare, maintains its 18th-century (and earlier) dimensions.
The area chosen for excavation within the development site is to be the basement of the proposed building. An area measuring 12m north-south by 8.5m east-west was initially opened by machine. Stepping in the sides of the excavation trench reduced it to 9.5m north-south x 7m east-west and subsequently to 6.5m north-south x 5m east-west. The excavation began on 2nd March and continued for a period of 10 weeks. The work was funded by the developer, Eurolodge Ltd.
Excavations by the National Museum in the 1960s and early 1970s at a distance of a little over 60m to the north-east revealed a series of dwellings, dating from the early 11th to possibly the late 12th century. The present excavation, passing one property, uncovered habitation deposits dating from the later 12th century to the later 13th century; with earliest dateable activity occurring in this area in the later 11th/early 12th century. Twelve levels of medieval occupation were excavated. At times the property lay derelict, but the substantial remains of 3 structures, of differing types, were exposed.
Artefacts recovered include a range of decorated leather, wooden, bone and bronze objects.
15 St. Brigid's Road Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
