2015:204 - DUBLIN: Magazine Fort, Phoenix Park, Dublin

A programme of detailed recording and test-excavation took place at the Phoenix Park Magazine Fort in advance of plans to open up the fort as part of the 1916 Easter Rising commemorations. The bastioned fort was constructed in the 1730s on the site of the early 17th-century Phoenix House in order to store gunpowder. The Magazine Fort played an important part in Irish history, from symbol of the British military presence in Ireland to site of Nationalist struggle at key moments in history.

Excavation identified various phases of fort construction: the initial 18th-century phase; an extensive re-build in c. 1800; and an early 20th-century phase. The early phase had not previously been identified. A second phase of archaeological works is starting in 2016.

The full report can be downloaded from www.archaeologyplan.com/projects.