2000:0255 - DUBLIN: Mercy Convent, Cork Street, Dublin

An assessment was undertaken at Mercy Convent, Cork Street, the Coombe, Dublin, from 9 to 10 October 2000, the results of which were to form part of a subsequent planning application. The site is located at the western exterior of the medieval walled town, within the zone of archaeological potential. In the early Middle Ages the meeting of the Coombe stream and the River Poddle was an important intersection for long-distance routes. The street pattern of Cork Street and the Coombe indicates the line of the Coombe stream. Artefacts recovered from Cork Street include single finds of swords, which represent single Scandanavian graves.

Three test-trenches were mechanically excavated within the footprint of the proposed development. Trench 1 was located 7.8m east of and parallel to the western perimeter wall. It was 12.8m long (north–south) and was excavated to a depth of 1.2m. No features of archaeological significance were found in it.

Trench 2 was located 3.4m north of and parallel to the southern perimeter wall. It was 10m long (east–west) and was excavated to a depth of 1.2m. A circular feature of redbrick construction was located 3.6m from the western end of the trench. It comprised five courses of red brick, was 0.7m high and was located at a depth of 0.4m. The base of the feature was constructed on the natural subsoil, with a level stone base (two pieces of stone in situ). The feature appears to have been filled with rubble after it went out of use. Three stone slabs were located in section, 1.8m to the east, and may have been part of the feature. The ground around the feature was disturbed and consisted of unconsolidated rubble. The exact use of this feature is unclear. It would appear to post-date the 17th century and may be associated with some industrial activities in the area, as indicated by the placename ‘Brickfield lane’.

Trench 3 was sited perpendicular to Cork Street. It was 5.2m north of the chapel and was 15m long (north–south). A modern paved surface with a linear redbrick drain running to the north along the line of the trench was uncovered at a depth of 0.35m and was a modern garden feature. No features of archaeological significance were identified during the excavation of this trench.

The land along the western road frontage could not be tested because of the presence of inhabited buildings. The recommendations were for further assessment within this portion of the site. In addition, monitoring should take place to record the historical significance of the structure identified in Trench 2 and to record any associated industrial features that may be present in this portion of the site.

39 Trees Road, Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin