2010:242 - ‘SAYJIP’, OLD BRAY ROAD, CABINTEELY, Dublin

Testing was undertaken in part of a proposed development site located at ‘Sayjip’, Old Bray Road, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin. The work was carried out in compliance with the recommendations of the National Monuments Service following the submission of a pre-planning enquiry. The overall site is located within DU026–100 (Mount Offaly – cemetery).
The site, comprising a house and associated gardens, is located to the immediate north of an Esso service station. During the development of this complex, an extensive cemetery complex of early Medieval date was uncovered (Excavations 1998, No. 142, 98E0035; 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. Previous investigations undertaken by Ken Hanley (Excavations 1998, No. 123, 98E0582, and Excavations 1999, No. 167, 98E0582 ext.) with respect to the construction of a southern extension to the existing house uncovered the remains of a possible ditch in the south-western corner of the extension.
It had been expected that some subsurface evidence for the cemetery might have been uncovered in the site. However, no such evidence was forthcoming. Likewise, it was expected that further evidence of the possible ditch feature uncovered by Hanley in 1998 might be uncovered in Trench 6. However, no such feature was uncovered.
No artifacts of archaeological 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.
Reference
Conway, M. 1999 Director’s first findings from excavations in Cabinteely. Transactions, Vol. 1. Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd.