County: Dublin Site name: Baldonnell (Sites 1-3), Moneenalion Commons Upper, Brownsbarn and Collegeland
Sites and Monuments Record No.: DU021-021 Licence number: 17E0382
Author: Paul Duffy, IAC Ltd
Site type: Ringfort, burnt spreads
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 703503m, N 728160m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.293623, -6.447452
Excavations were conducted at Baldonnell Site 1–3, Moneenalion Commons Upper, Brownsbarn and Collegeland following discovery during monitoring of construction of a warehouse complex. Investigations across site followed on from a programme of testing and geophysical survey undertaken in 2000 and 2009 around a potential ringfort site DU021-021 (O’Neill 2000; Harrison 2009, Licence 09R0161; Moriarty 2009, Licence 09E0420). These investigations failed to identify evidence of archaeological remains corresponding to the ringfort, and record DU021-021 was declared redundant.
Five archaeological sites considered to be burnt spread features were identified to the west of investigations centred around the site of DU021-021. The five sites (DU021-98-99, 100, 101, 102; Moriarty 09E0420) were considered to be part of the same activity.
Subsequent monitoring works were conducted in 2017 across the development area by IAC Ltd (Duffy and McIlreavy 2019, Licence 17E0382) which revealed a significant concentration of possible archaeological features at the south-western extent of the site. These features included a section of a curvilinear enclosure feature, additional curvilinear enclosure features, mettled surfaces, a number of burnt spreads, possible pits and post-holes. The primary enclosure feature within this area was considered to be consistent with that formerly assigned DU021-021. This area was designated Site 1.
Ten other archaeological sites were discovered as a result of monitoring across the development site. Eight of these sites were categorised as burnt spreads, and two as deposition areas. All ten sites were subsequently excavated (Licences 18E0183, 18E0184, 18E0185, 18E0186, 18E0187, 18E0223, 18E0244, and 18E0247).
Archaeological remains uncovered during monitoring, later designated Site 1, comprised a curvilinear enclosure, c. 36m internal diameter, and a possible concentric outer curvilinear enclosure. Both enclosures are considered to be that formally designated DU021-021. A large area of burnt spread material, metalled surfaces, pits, post-holes and a section of curvilinear ditch, all predating the main enclosure, were also identified. The remains of the features identified within Site 1 have been preserved in situ.
Site 2 comprised a partially truncated burnt spread (C2004) which covered the remains of two possible troughs (C2005 and C2006) and a pit (C2007). The burnt spread had been truncated by a later linear drainage ditch. All archaeological features were fully excavated.
Site 3 comprised a heavily truncated burnt spread (C306) which overlay a discrete peat deposit (C307). All archaeological features were fully excavated.
No further archaeological work is required for Sites 2 & 3, these features having been fully ‘preserved by record.’ Following assessment of Site 1, the archaeology was surveyed, covered in geotextile and topsoil reinstated. Further mitigation will be required if development proceeds at this location.
Post-excavation analyses are ongoing.
Unit G1 Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
