2014:127 - Landsdowne/ Old Wesley Grounds, Kilgobbin, Co. Dublin, Dublin

[caption id="attachment_37973" align="alignnone" width="271"] Site outline with location of Areas 1-3[/caption]

A programme of monitoring was conducted on the site of the former Landsdowne/Old Wesley playing pitches in October 2014, based on the results of an earlier monitoring programme (Giacometti 2013; 13E0027, Excavations Ref. 2013:046). The site lies to the north of the early medieval ecclesiastic site of Kilgobbin church (DU025-016--) and to the south-west of Kilgobbin Castle (DU025-017--). Excavations prior to the construction of the Belarmine housing development, located to the north and west of the site, uncovered a rich prehistoric landscape. Excavations to the south of Kilgobbin Church uncovered an early ecclesiastic site with evidence for metalworking (Bolger 2008, 85). The monitoring programme on the site revealed three concentrations of archaeological activity within the site boundary, which were subsequently excavated.

The excavation was carried out from 16 October to 28 November 2014. Area 1 comprised a compact zone of medieval activity, likely to relate to industrial processing associated with settlement around Kilgobbin church to the south. Area 2 was a concentration of prehistoric activity focused on a natural hollow, with two wells identified, one associated with a possible pathway, together with three possible cremations and other features. Both prehistoric and medieval activity were identified in Area 3, including an unusual C-shaped structure, a barrow and a cremation pit relating to prehistoric activity, and a number of medieval and post-medieval water management features.

The excavations in Area 1 revealed a number of features including a medieval kiln, partially stone-lined within the drying chamber and altered for use in two directions. Very few cereal remains were retrieved from the kiln, though many small sherds of medieval pottery were recovered from the fills of the kiln. To the west of this were the foundations of a sub-rectangular medieval structure measuring 2.7m x 2.5m, enclosed on three sides and with a drain or channel running though the centre. The central channel was capped to the west and widened to form a pit in the centre of the structure. This pit exhibited evidence of in situ burning, suggesting it was used as a fire-pit or hearth. Overlying the pit was a large sub-rounded granite slab, which fitted into the overall level of the capping over the channel to the west. The channel was uncapped to the east of the central pit and continued beyond the structure on that side. No evidence for an enclosing element was uncovered to the west. While the purpose of the structure is somewhat elusive given its poor survival, it has tentatively been interpreted as a smoke-house. Two ditches were also identified, possibly directing water away from the work area. A second kiln to the west was the only feature in Area 1 that did not contain medieval pottery and may represent a slightly earlier phase of activity.

Area 2 revealed a concentration of activity focused on a natural hollow, with the earliest activity dating from the Early Neolithic period. Three token cremation pits and associated post markers were identified near the base of the slope down to the hollow, with a fourth cremation pit and post at the base of the hollow. None of the cremations were found to contain a large quantity of bone. Two wells or watering-holes were also identified at the base of the hollow. The larger one was irregular in shape, measured 3.1m x 1.9m and survived to 0.8m in depth. It was accessed via a sloping side to the west, with steep sides to the north, south and east. The second smaller well was sub-circular, measuring 1.25m x 1.15m and survived to a depth of 0.47m. Associated with the second well was an informal pathway, possibly assisting access to the well over the wet ground of the hollow. A 3m diameter arc defined by stake-holes, located to the south of the larger well, may be the remains of a temporary structure or windbreak. A layer of dark grey silty clay with inclusions of degraded animal bone, charcoal and pottery dating from the Early Neolithic to Early Bronze Age overlay the features within the hollow and represents a layer of material within the natural hollow churned up throughout its use, probably through both human and animal action. Both the pottery and the lithic assemblages from this area suggest a broad date-range from the Early Neolithic period into the Bronze Age.

Area 3 had at least two phases of activity. A barrow (2.5m int. dia., 4.8m ext. dia.) and cremation pit, both of which contained Beaker pottery, were identified to the south of the area. A concentration of unworked quartz was recovered from one segment of the barrow associated with a concentration of cremated bone.  To the west of this a C-shaped structure (5.4m x 3.4m internally) was identified surrounding a central hearth and pit, and was also associated with Beaker pottery. The structure appeared to have had large timber base planks with smaller uprights, presumably forming a protected wall around the hearth, and had been burnt in situ. There was no evidence for the structure having been roofed. A smaller gully led from one end of the slot trench, possibly draining water from the wooden foundations to prolong their lifespan. This structure did not appear to be domestic, and its location beside other burial monuments may suggest a ceremonial function, possibly a ritual feasting place used during funerary ceremonies or intermittently afterwards to honour the dead. While only Beaker pottery was identified from the structure, an Early Bronze Age structure was found during the excavations at Belarmine that was also associated with Beaker pottery.

The northern part of Area 3 contained a managed medieval pond (17m x 3.8-5.7m, 0.55m depth) and associated ditches, probably relating to the medieval settlement associated with Kilgobbin Castle to the north-east. A number of other features, such as a metal-working pit and two kilns, may fall into the medieval phase of activity in the area.

The majority of the post-excavation work on the site is now complete. At present we are awaiting a range of radiocarbon dates for the site, which will add to the phasing of the site. The preliminary report for the site can be downloaded from www.archaeologyplan.com/projects-3/

References:

Bolger, T. 2008 Excavations at Kilgobbin Church, Co. Dublin, in Journal of Irish Archaeology, 17, pp. 85-112.

Giacometti, A. 2013 Archaeological Testing Report at Landsdowne/ Old Wesley Grounds, Kilgobbin, Stepaside, Co. Dublin. Unpublished testing report courtesy of Archaeology Plan.

Aileach Archaeology, on behalf of Archaeology Plan, 32 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2