County: Dublin Site name: NEWTOWN
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 14:13 Licence number: 01E1214
Author: Fiona Rooney, Archaeological Consultancy Ltd.
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: N/A
ITM: E 711740m, N 742459m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.420399, -6.318904
An assessment of a proposed development in the townland of Newtown, Kilshane, Co. Dublin, found that one monument, the site of a possible motte and bailey, was located within its boundary. The site was visited in 1952 by a representative from the National Museum of Ireland, prior to its demolition. It was recorded as a circular platform 28m in diameter and 3m in height. The base of the flat-topped platform was enclosed by a wide ditch, which was in turn enclosed by an oval earthwork (100m by 70m). At present the site is only visible as a soil-mark on aerial photographs. Consequently, monitoring of ground disturbance at the site was recommended by the assessment.
Seven test-pits were excavated. No features or artefacts of archaeological significance were revealed. The trenches excavated were small in comparison to the area of the proposed development. Consequently, while no archaeological features were encountered, it is possible that such features do exist, particularly in the vicinity of the motte and bailey site in the north.
Ballydavid South, Athenry, Co. Galway
