1993:089 - DUBLIN: Temple Bar Gallery Extension, No. 9 Temple Bar Fownes St. Lr., Dublin

Due to the presence of a 1m–1.1m deep archaeological silt deposit beneath basement level on this site and the proposed insertion of a basement with a formation level c. 5m below present ground level a requirement for pre-development archaeological excavation of one 2m-wide north-south trench was agreed with the Planning Authority and the Office of Public Works. The site measures c. 17m north-south by maximum c. 6m east-west.

During partial demolition of the existing gallery structure the necessity to underpin its walls became an urgent requirement. Accordingly, the excavation of the 2m-wide trench was not carried out as temporary shoring of the partly demolished gallery structure proved impossible.

As an alternative, an archaeological watching brief was maintained under the direction of Martin Reid during the excavation for underpinning pits on the site. (See No. 90, Excavations 1993).

Although a continuous trench was not excavated, an accurate picture of the deposits was recorded.

Loose rubble fill 2m deep, containing a large quantity of clay pipes overlay a 0.5m deep deposit of light brown organic silty clay with lenses of sand and charcoal, as well aas frequently occurring clay pipes, pottery and glass. Below this was a 0.6m thick layer of dark brown, moderately compact organic clay silt, containing even more pottery, clay pipes and leather. This in turn overlay a deposit of compact, grey/black organic silt which was 0.4m deep and contained clay pipes, pottery and glass and occasional leather fragments. River gravel occurred 3.5m below ground level.

This sequence occurred throughout the site and was repeated in all the underpinning pits examined. The watching brief was maintained on the remainder of the excavation works, but no structures, timbers or evidence for early foundations/walls were revealed.

Rath House, Ferndale Rd., Rathmichael, Co. Dublin