2016:231 - Gracepark Road, Drumcondra, Dublin

The proposed development area is located off Gracepark Road in Drumcondra within the townland of Richmond and Parish of Clonturk. The site is located to the south and east of a school complex and is currently formed by greenfields. The proposed development area is located within a former demesne landscape associated with Drumcondra Castle (DU018-015001). The current structure consists of a regency villa, which includes the remains of a 16th-century defended house and sections of an 18th-century structure. There are three other sub constraints associated with the castle record, including a barn (DU018-015003), a settlement cluster (DU018-015002) and a gate lodge (DU018-015004). The location of these sites remains uncertain.

Test trenching was undertaken in two phases, in May and October 2016, as a response to a planning condition (Planning Ref.: 2991/15; ABP Ref.: PL 29N.245745). A total of 17 trenches were mechanically investigated across the test area measuring 1,472 linear metres. Testing followed on from previous archaeological investigations between 2002 and 2009. Testing indicated extensive post-medieval cultivation, drainage and landscaping to the south of castle DU018-015001. A large east–west running linear ditch (C5) uncovered in T2–6 appears to represent post-medieval boundary/landscape feature and further small-scale possible archaeological features are located near to this in T1, T5, T9 and T10. The 18th/19th-century drains, culvert and garden features were identified between 0.4m and 1.5m below present ground level. A feature identified in the 2009 testing programme interpreted as a possible ringditch has been identified as a curving garden wall.

A proposed service pipeline runs within the western limit of the zone of potential for the castle. It was not possible to undertake test trenching in this area at this time. 

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow