2005:532 - STEELSTOWN, Dublin

Monitoring took place of groundworks associated with the N7 Naas road-widening scheme. During the course of monitoring at Farmersdale Road, Steelstown, Co. Dublin, on 8 July 2005, archaeological features were identified. These were present in a field opposite the Blackchurch site compound and offices, which are located to the rear of the Blackchurch Inn.

The features consisted of a curvilinear ditch which appeared to act as an enclosure for an apparent cemetery. The northern area of this enclosure ditch cut a small pit, which contained a charcoal-rich fill and fragments of prehistoric pottery. The area within the enclosure contained four pits, which appeared to be cremation pit burials, as they contained a substantial quantity of burnt bone. All of these pits also contained worked flint in varying quantities and two contained sherds of prehistoric pottery. A short linear feature was present within the enclosed area. This was cut by one of the cremation pits. There were a few associated features, including stake-holes, shallow pits and a substantial outlying pit to the south. The remains of a rough gravel surface survived over much of the enclosed area. This surface was cut by the enclosure ditch at the northern area, near where it cut the small pit. One small area of fine, neat metalling was also present. Finds included burnt bone, charcoal, pottery sherds and pieces of worked flint.

Excavation work had previously been carried out by Carmel Duffy in July 2004 on a site c. 40m to the north-east of the present features. This site consisted of features related to prehistoric cremation and metal-working activities (Excavations 2004, No. 643, 04E0858). The similarity in the features and finds, in addition to the proximity of the sites, suggests that the two areas of prehistoric activity may be related. Results of 14C dating should determine whether or not the sites are contemporary.

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