2012:218 - 13-16 Redmond's Hill/Aungier Street, Dublin, Dublin

Testing was carried out on a small vacant plot on the western side of Redmond’s Hill (Aungier Street). This street links Aungier Street to the north and Wexford Street to the south and is bounded to the west by a modern office development. The northern and southern boundaries are formed by existing structures. Redmond’s Hill was laid by 1673, although in Rocque’s map of 1756 a portion of the plot is shown as vacant. The site is located within the zone of archaeological potential for Dublin City (DU018-020).

Test trenching took place on 18 July, using a JCB equipped with a flat, toothless bucket under supervision. Two trenches were excavated within the area of proposed development. No features of archaeological significance were identified. A further trench was excavated, but this had previously been excavated as part of site investigations. The site has consisted of an empty derelict plot for a considerable amount of time. Former structures were previously demolished and a reinforced concrete slab was laid across the northern part of the site. The presence of this slab was problematic. It was not possible to remove parts of the slab as a mechanical rock breaker would be required adjacent to the property that borders the site to the immediate north. This existing structure is a brick building, although the exterior is in very poor condition. As such the structural integrity of the building may have been adversely impacted on by vibrations associated with the use of a rock breaker.

Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd, 120b Greenpark Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow