2007:434 - Brazil Farm, Brazil, Dublin

An assessment, which included a limited programme of testing, was undertaken in order to estimate the archaeological potential of a site at Brazil Farm, Swords, Co. Dublin. The site is situated at the southern end of the townland of Brazil, west of Swords, at the current edge of the suburban expansion. It is bounded on the south by the Brackenstown road and is just east of the R108 Naul road. It is situated c. 300m outside of the Swords development boundary.
From the Early Christian establishment of Swords, through its turbulent 11th- and 12th-century history and into the medieval and post-medieval periods, Swords represents the centre of religious and secular activity in the wider region. Although relatively little historical information has been identified directly relating to the study area, it is highly likely that Brazil was heavily influenced by the developments and events in Swords, lying just a short distance away. A demolished 17th-century house (DU011–086) is located within the site, and a motte and bailey (DU011–027) is situated outside of the site. A review of the known monuments within and in close proximity to the site suggests that there could be significant medieval and post-medieval archaeological deposits on the site. The presence of the 17th-century house and motte and bailey is suggestive of continuity of occupation through the medieval and into the modern period. The results of recent excavations in the wider area further highlight the possibility of the presence of previously unidentified archaeological deposits within the boundaries of the site.
In total 802m of test-trenches were excavated on the site. Their location was limited because of the presence of standing structures. The northern field was not tested, as it contains a large number of closely spaced polytunnels. The northern part of the southern field has been extensively disturbed and it is unlikely that any archaeological material has survived this activity.
Building rubble possibly associated with the demolition of the 17th-century house was encountered. Although no sub-structural remains were identified, these may exist, as the trenching in this area was of a limited nature.
A ditch, which does not correspond with any marked on the cartographic sources, and two spreads were identified in the south-western corner. These may be associated with the 17th-century house or possibly pre-date it. A ditch of unknown date was encountered in the eastern part of the site.
Most of the southern end of the field is covered in glasshouses, which appear to have relatively shallow foundations. As the depth of the subsoil increases, particularly towards the south-western end of the site, it is probable that the construction of the glasshouses has not been too intrusive.
A more comprehensive testing programme is needed to fully assess the archaeological potential of this site.