2004:0503 - DRINAN/NEVINSTOWN EAST, Dublin

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Dublin Site name: DRINAN/NEVINSTOWN EAST

Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 03E1362 ext.

Author: Abi Cryerhall, Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd, 27 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Site type: Pit

Period/Dating:

ITM: E 718110m, N 744916m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.441091, -6.222190

The monitoring of a large-scale development in the townlands of Drinan and Nevinstown East, Swords, Co. Dublin, commenced in 2003. This first phase of monitoring was conducted by Christine Baker (Excavations 2003, No. 489); nothing of an archaeological nature was uncovered. The second phase of development was monitored over the summer of 2004. This phase was located on a greenfield site on relatively high ground that sloped gently towards the north.

During the monitoring, one feature, a subrectangular pit c. 3m in length, 1m in width and up to 0.8m in depth, was located at the southern limits of the site, on the high ground. At the base of the pit were nine stake-holes, eight around the base perimeter and one centrally placed. The pit contained three distinct fills. These were all variants of compact grey clay with much charcoal. The date and function of the pit are not known. It may, however, indicate the presence of further archaeological activity in the fields to the south, Phase 3 of the housing development. Monitoring of this phase is due to take place during 2005.