2016:119 - DUBLIN: Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham Road, Dublin

2016 Phase of Works at Rathfarnham Castle
A new phase of archaeological works at Rathfarnham took place in 2016, following completion of the 2014 phase of works (refer excavations.ie 2014:140). These works took place in the north-western quarter of the basement of the castle. The 2016 works comprised: detailed recordings of two openings in the north-west flanker and north basement room leading to a possible sealed room under the entrance steps; removal of a section of plaster in north basement room around blocked opening; removal of blocked opening brick and excavation of former tunnel; recording and removal of a second phase of blocking; recording and excavation of two previously unidentified coal cellars; recording of previously unidentified 16th-century wall and window frame; test excavation in new coal cellars and monitoring of spoil removal. The 2016 findings confirmed the overall castle stratigraphy established in the 2014 works (i.e., that the current basement floor dates to the early 18th century). The identification of a new 16th-century window changes the understanding of the front fenestration and entrance to the castle. The new coal cellars appear to have been constructed in c. the early 18th century, and supported the elaborate long raised entrance staircase and platform previously identified by Judith Carrol (refer excavations.ie 1993:100). Detailed analysis of the stratigraphy established that the existing entrance portico pillars were added at a later date (late 18th century?) once these coal cellars had gone out of use, and most likely been replaced by the coal cellar in the north-west flanker. The existing granite steps were shown to be a later phase again (19th century?). Some evidence for a 16th-century pavement outside the castle was also identified. The original function of the blocked 16th-century doorway in the north-west flanker was not established, unfortunately, however it is likely that the original interpretation set out in the 2014 report is incorrect.