County: Dublin Site name: ST STEPHEN’S GREEN, DUBLIN
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: C313; E3963
Author: Tara Doyle, Headland Archaeology (Ireland) Ltd, Unit 1, Wallingstown Business Park, Little Island, Cork.
Site type: Urban, post-medieval
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 716012m, N 733533m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.339302, -6.257928
Monitoring of eight slit-trenches was undertaken in the vicinity of St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, between 18 May and 5 July 2009. These trenches were opened to identify existing utilities and associated features including underground culverts and basements. This investigation was carried out on behalf of the Road Procurement Agency as part of the design and construction of the proposed Metro North light rail project. The trenches were located to the north-east and north-west of the national monument St Stephen’s Green (DU018–020334). In Excavations 2009
accordance with the conditions set out in the consent issued, a metal-detection device was employed to assist with finds retrieval (consent number R139). All deposits excavated within the eight trenches were spread and identified finds were collected.
Excavation of the eight trenches resulted in the temporary removal of the pavement and/or carriageway to the north-east and north-west of St Stephen’s Green. The permanent surfaces were removed using a con-saw and jackhammer. Each trench was subsequently hand-dug. On completion of archaeological and utility recording and survey, the trenches were backfilled and the appropriate surface reinstated.
Post-medieval garden soil deposits were identified in five trenches. Two trenches situated on St Stephen’s Green North contained deposits that contained charcoal, stone and a single course of red brick. The brick was slightly degraded and crumbling and was bonded by a lime mortar. The brick did not represent a wall or structure and may possibly have formed a surface of brick cobbling. The edge of a red brick arch-shaped cellar ceiling was encountered in a trench close to the main entrance to the park. This was situated on the pavement side of St Stephen’s Green North and was infilled with rubble. Three sherds of post-medieval pottery were recovered from this trench. Several trenches encountered utilities relatively close to the pavement surface and deep excavation was not required.
