County: Dublin Site name: FLEMINGTON
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 05E0663
Author: Teresa Bolger, for Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd.
Site type: Kiln - corn-drying, Industrial site and House - Neolithic
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 717899m, N 764530m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.617315, -6.217979
The development site extends over c. 9.34ha, located in the townland of Flemingtown, to the north-west of Balbriggan. Previous investigations at the site by Abi Cryerhall and the writer (Excavations 2005, No. 487; Excavations 2006, No. 658) had identified an extensive archaeological site (Areas A–E) located along the western edge of the development site. Testing and geophysical survey indicated that the complex extended over c. 1ha and was localised along a ridge of high ground parallel to the western perimeter of the site. Excavation of a substantial section of the main archaeological complex (the eastern portion of Areas A–C) was undertaken during 2006. During 2007, investigations focused on Areas D–E.
Thirteen phases of activity were identified, primarily dating to the early medieval period. While the main complex is superficially similar in size and scale to other early medieval enclosure complexes, it does not seem to fit as comfortably alongside these sites as it might initially appear; no settlement focus was identified, there was little evidence for habitation or structures and most of the identifiable activities would be classed as ancillary to a settlement or habitation site.
The early medieval activity is characterised by a complex sequence of ditches, some of which appear to define or delimit areas; others appear to be designed to conduct water and lead into cisterns or basins located at the eastern perimeter of the site, where the main ridge of high ground on which the site is located dropped down into what was originally a low-lying wetland area (encompassing the bulk of the development site). There is evidence for both the recutting of ditches and also the deliberate replacement of ditches, indicating a prolonged duration of activity. Possible corn-drying kilns and bowl furnaces are situated in localised sections of the site, suggesting specific zones set aside for particular activities. An initial set of radiocarbon dates indicates occupation at the site from at least the late 6th until the early 11th century. Further radiocarbon dates will be obtained to clarify the phasing and chronology of activity at the site.
In addition to this, there was residual evidence for prehistoric activity, mainly Bronze Age and Neolithic. A small Neolithic house (heavily truncated by early medieval ditches) was excavated at Area E. A substantial assemblage of Early Neolithic pottery (over 250 sherds) was retrieved, primarily from the slot-trenches. A radiocarbon date of 4778±31bp (UBA-8523, 3642–3518 cal BC; 3394–3387 cal BC) was obtained.
27 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
