2016:647 - Clondalkin Round Tower, Clondalkin, Dublin

Excavation took place between 9 March and 11 April 2016 in the vicinity of the round tower at Clondalkin, in advance of the proposed development of an interpretative centre at the site. The site is located at the junction of Tower Road and the Old Nangor Road in Clondalkin. The development encompasses the front and back garden spaces of Nos 1–3 Millview Terrace, a row of three dwellings from the early 19th century registered as protected structures in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). The round tower, located at the south-east corner of the development site, is a Recorded Monument (DU017-04106) and a National Monument in State Care (Nat. Mon. No. 32).

The proposed development comprises the construction of an interpretative centre in Area 1 of the site, formerly the back garden space of Millview Terrace. Area 2, the former front garden space of the terrace will be restored as an open lawn area to enhance the refurbished frontage of the terrace, and will not be impacted by new construction work.

The remains of the monastic foundation of Clondalkin lie at the heart of the present-day village of Clondalkin in the south-west area of Dublin city. The only visible evidence for the existence of the ecclesiastical enclosure at Clondalkin is the impressive round tower. The distinctive layout of the street pattern framing the centre of the village provides another less obvious clue to the underlying presence of an enclosed medieval religious settlement disguised by many years of modern development.

Two large areas were investigated, on the northern and southern sides of Nos 1–3 Millview Terrace, Old Nangor Road (the front and back garden spaces of the three houses). Area 1 was located between Millview Terrace and the Round Tower, where the interpretative centre is to be constructed, and Area 2 was located in the front garden space of Millview terrace.

Area 1 revealed the remains of a number of features of medieval date. These comprise two curvilinear gullies or slot trenches, relating to structures; a linear gully, six large pits replete with animal bones, a smaller pit and a possible post-hole. A number of sherds of glazed and unglazed medieval pottery were associated with these features, and a polished bone pin was found in one of the large pits. Because Area 1 was to be impacted upon by the construction of the proposed interpretative centre, all archaeological features and deposits were fully excavated to the surface of the natural subsoil.

Area 2 revealed the remains of two masonry structures and a large ditch of post-medieval date; no features of medieval date appear to survive on the site. A number of sherds of pottery, pieces of glass, and metal objects of post-medieval date were found in the course of the investigation.

Ballybrack Road, Glencullen, Dublin 18