2006:572 - Cabinteely, Dublin

A test excavation was conducted on a proposed development site that was partially within the zone of archaeological potential of DU026–119. A large excavation, directed by Malachy Conway, was carried out bordering the site in 1998 (Excavations 1998, No. 124, 98E0035). This revealed an early medieval cemetery enclosed within concentric enclosing ditches and included 1,553 skeletons, metalworking surfaces, a furnace and a cobbled surface, as well as habitation refuse and artefacts from the enclosure ditches that surrounded the eastern extent of the site. The date of the archaeological deposits recovered from the site ranged from the 6th century to the 12th century ad.

The excavation of thirteen test-trenches in this phase of work defined the likely area of an early medieval cemetery along its western boundary. The test excavation also identified archaeological soils, ditches and deposits that are consistent with early medieval enclosed settlement remains located beyond the cemetery site. The applicant has revised the location of the apartment blocks within the site to avoid the cemetery site and leave it in situ (as defined in the assessment). However, archaeological excavation and monitoring will be required on the remainder of the site should planning permission be granted.

The cemetery

The excavation of test-trenches across the site defined the likely area of an early medieval cemetery within the proposed development application area. This is located in the south-east corner of the site and was located in Trenches 10–13. An enclosure ditch that appeared to define the southern edge of the cemetery was identified in Trench 12. An enclosure ditch that appears to define the northern edge of the cemetery was identified in Trench 13. The complete absence of burial in the western end of Trenches 11, 9 and 13 also suggests that burials ostensibly occurred within an area measuring 15m east–west by 35m. The northern end of the inner ditch identified by Conway during that excavation is curving to the west; it is possible that this feature and the ditch identified in Trenches 13 and 12 are derived from the same enclosure.

The testing indicates that the cemetery and church site is located overlooking the Shanganagh River on the crest of the valley. The excavation by Conway in 1998 identified three enclosures that defined the extent of the cemetery during its period of use. It would appear that, as more burials were interred within the site, it became necessary to extend the cemetery westwards. However, the demonstrable expansion of the cemetery site on its eastern margin was not evident in the test excavation. This is explained by the steep drop in ground to the west and relatively flat land that surrounds the site to the east.

Archaeological deposits beyond the cemetery

The test excavation also identified archaeological soil, ditches and deposits that are consistent with early medieval enclosed settlement remains located beyond the cemetery site. These deposits included evidence for burning, possible smithing activity, occupation deposits including food waste discarded in ditches or enclosures and possible habitation areas. The testing confirmed the limited results of the geophysics with the identification of these deposits and the likely identification of an enclosure in Trenches 1, 2 and 4.