2006:573 - SILVER SLOPE’, BRAY ROAD, CABINTEELY, Dublin

Testing was undertaken in part of a proposed development site located at Bray Road, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin. The overall area of testing comprised two distinct plots of land, part of which are located within DU026–109, Mount Offaly Cemetery.
Plot A, comprising a house and associated gardens, is largely located to the immediate south of an Esso service station. During the development of this complex, an extensive cemetery complex, of early medieval date, was uncovered (Conway 1999). The eastern extent of the cemetery was defined by a series of three ditches, the outer two of which appear to represent extensions to the site. The southern, western and northern extents of the cemetery lie outside the area of Conway’s excavations.
Plot B lies downslope and to the immediate west of Plot A. This forms part of a much larger field, which is bounded to the west by the Loughlinstown River. This area, as well as the rear garden area of Plot A, lies to the immediate south of where recent archaeological investigations were undertaken by Harrison and O’Donovan (2006). Such investigations uncovered the western extent of the cemetery, which was formed by a ditch feature. In addition, possible habitation and industrial activity was uncovered to the west, and downslope, of the cemetery.
It had been expected that some subsurface evidence for the cemetery might have been uncovered in the subject site. However, no such evidence was forthcoming. An examination of the locations of the ditch features as uncovered in 2006 and 1998, particularly the original inner ditch of the latter excavation, indicated that the existing Silver Slope House is constructed in that area of the cemetery which may have extended into the present site. The levels across this specific area were reduced when the house was constructed, although there is a possibility that some subsurface archaeological remains might still remain buried. In addition, a rockery and garden strip which lies between the northern edge of the house and the southern boundary to the Esso property appears to have survived without disturbance and there remains a possibility that archaeological remains might exist in this area.
The only features of archaeological interest uncovered during the course of testing were two possible shallow drains, downslope and to the west of the existing house, as well as a spread of charcoal-rich soil in a trench adjacent to Loughlinstown River.
No artefacts of archaeological or historical interest were recovered during the course of the work. A quantity of disturbed and fragmented bone was recovered from the topsoil, none of which was associated with any features of archaeological interest. Analysis of the bone undertaken by Clare Mullins proved that all was derived from animals.
The results of the testing programme will be incorporated into the overall design concept for the proposed development and a suitable mitigation strategy will be suggested in the resultant environmental impact assessment.
References
Conway, M. 1999 Director’s first findings from excavations in Cabinteely. Transactions Vol. 1. Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd.
Harrison, D. & O’Donovan, E. 2006 Archaeological Assessment Report, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin. Unpublished report submitted to DLR County Council (www.dlrcoco.ie).