2018:073 - Phase 1 Infrastructure AA1-6, Laughanstown & Brenanstown, Dublin

Archaeological investigation identified six archaeological areas (AA1-6) at Laughanstown and Brenanstown, Dublin 18. Excavation was carried out as a condition of planning (No. 5) for the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone, Phase 1 Infrastructure, as granted by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (Planning Ref.: DZ15A/0758). Advance archaeological testing, carried out by David McIlreavy in 2015 to inform planning under the original grant of licence 15E0471, identified a number of features of potential archaeological interest at AA 1–5. Excavation of AA 1–5 was directed by Yvonne Whitty for IAC between 8 September and 5 November 2016. Subsequent monitoring of topsoil stripping was carried out from January 2017 under a reactivation of licence 15E0471 by David McIlreavy of IAC (monitoring reported separately).

A single area of archaeological potential (AA6) was identified at this time in Brenanstown townland. The following excavation of Phase 1 Infrastructure AA6 was directed by David McIlreavy for IAC between 27 January and 13 February 2017. The excavation of AA 1–6 identified a broad range of features ranging in date from the prehistoric through to the medieval and post-medieval periods. These represent burnt mound activity, a possible prehistoric structure and associated features, a possible token cremation burial pit and an area of probable industrial activity identified through the presence of a kiln. Additionally, a number of pits, of unknown function, were also recorded in all archaeological areas (AA 1–6).

Post-excavation analyses are ongoing and a final report, including specialist information on dating and finds, is forthcoming.

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