2019:181 - NEWCASTLE SOUTH, Dublin

Testing was carried out at the site of a proposed residential development in the townland of Newcastle South, County Dublin. The northern section of the proposed development area is located within the zone of archaeological potential associated with the medieval settlement of Newcastle (DU020-003008) and there are nine recorded monuments within the study area. A fulacht fia (DU021-095) is recorded c. 205m east of the proposed development area. A tower-house (DU021-017002) is located c. 260m west-north-west. An enclosure (DU021-105) is recorded c. 325m east-south-east of the proposed development area and a well (DU021-017001) is located 335m west. Another tower-house (DU020-003004) is situated c. 485m to the west and there is a graveyard (DU020-003010) c. 495m to the west. Additionally, there is a church (DU020-003002), cross (DU020-003003), and a tower-house (DU020-003007) c. 500m to the west.

Testing was carried out over two days from 28 February to 1 March 2019 using a mechanical excavator fitted with a flat grading bucket. The trenches targeted open green space to investigate the archaeological potential of the site. Testing revealed one area of archaeological significance, which has been designated as Archaeological Area 1. Archaeological Area 1 comprised three charcoal-rich pits and three linear features which were identified within Trenches 1 and 2.

Ground disturbances associated with the proposed development will have an adverse impact on localised archaeological deposits possibly associated with medieval burgage plots within Archaeological Area 1.