2000:1084 - DEERPARK, Wicklow

Monitoring was undertaken at the site of the proposed extension to the Blessington Sand and Gravel Pit in Deerpark townland, in February, March and August 2000. Prior to monitoring, a detailed plan, elevation and photographic record of the north-western boundary of the area were undertaken in February 2000. This is a 285m length of mortared stone wall, revetting a low bank and internal ditch and defining part of the circuit of the 17th-century deer park. The wall, which also marks the Kildare/Wicklow county boundary, will not be affected by the expansion of the quarry.

Within the deer park enclosure a stand of commercial forestry of c. 1.6ha was clear-felled in March 2000. An irregular area of c. 6700m2, measuring a maximum of 70m east–west by 125m, was stripped of all remaining vegetation and topsoil in August 2000. This comprised 25% of the proposed area of extraction. All ground disturbance associated with clear-felling of commercial forestry, the removal of the stumps and roots of felled trees, the access of machinery and the stripping of topsoil was monitored. No artefacts, deposits or features of an archaeological nature were identified. The almost-complete absence of even modern finds is notable, suggesting that the incorporation of this area into a deer park in the later 17th century greatly restricted subsequent use of this part of the Glen Ding ridge.

32 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2