2012:223 - TOP Service Station, 15-21 Usher’s Quay, Dublin, Dublin

A programme of monitoring was undertaken during the installation of new fuel tanks at the Top Service Station, 15-21 Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8 in January 2012. This is on the south side of the River Liffey, half-way between Usher Street and St Augustine Street. This comprised the excavation of a rectangular area 10m by 14m to the south-west of the service station.  The site is located just outside of the walled medieval city, not far from the important archaeological findings by the late D.L. Swan at Usher’s Quay/St Augustine Street (Excavations 1991, No. 43).

Excavations for new fuel tanks reached a maximum depth of 4.8m below the original ground level, which is relatively shallow, and the deepest layers disturbed were found to date to the 18th century, or perhaps the late 17th century. 19^th-century basements, including vaulted brick basements possibly belonging to the Anchor Brewery or Powers Distillery, were identified. Three features of archaeological interest were noted: large limestone blocks that may have been part of (or intended for) the construction of the quay wall, a significant dump of North Devon Sgraffito ware (dating from 1650-1750), and the top of a silted-up body of water at the edge of Usher’s Island.

Archaeology Plan, 32 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2