2009:288 - BELINSTOWN, Dublin

Testing as part of the advance works on the proposed route of the Metro North light rail project was carried out on behalf of the Railway Procurement Agency. For the purposes of these works the Metro North route was subdivided into fourteen testing areas. Testing Area 2 was located in Belinstown townland, Co. Dublin, at the site of the proposed Belinstown depot.
Testing of Area 2 was carried out on 14 and 21 September 2009. A total of 91 test-trenches were excavated in two fields. Archaeological remains were identified in thirteen of these trenches establishing five sites of archaeological potential within Testing Area 2.
Belinstown 1
Geophysical survey at this location had suggested the presence of a possible bivallate enclosure. Test-trenching identified an archaeological complex composed of a central enclosure measuring 48m north-north-west by 38m by 0.8m in depth. This was encompassed by an outer enclosing ditch measuring 73m north-north-west by 64m by 0.78m in depth. A further elliptical ditch was identified between the inner and outer ditches; however, this was only identified on the eastern and southern extent. A rectilinear enclosure or possible annexe was also identified on the south-eastern side of the main enclosure enclosing an area measuring 14m by 7m. Numerous cut features were identified within and around the enclosure.
Belinstown 2
A pit containing burnt stone and fire-cracked material indicative of a burnt-mound site.
Belinstown 3
Belinstown 3 was a deposit of burnt and fire-cracked stone measuring 15m in length (east–west) by 7.7m in width and 0.55m in depth.
Belinstown 4
A deposit of burnt-mound material measuring 11m in length (north-west/south-east) by 7m in width and was composed of black, charcoal-rich silty clay with inclusions of heat-affected stones.
Belinstown 5
Belinstown 5 was a linear feature, an isolated pit feature and a burnt spread comprised of burnt and fire-cracked stone.