2019:724 - DUBLIN 14: Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham Road, Dublin

A programme of archaeological work was carried out from 2018-2019 as part of a project by the Office of Public Works to refurbish four rooms at basement level at Rathfarnham Castle for an exhibition space. Maintenance and repair works were also carried out to the entrance portico paving and underlying vaults.

The 2018-2019 findings build on the archaeological narrative established by the 2014 and 2016 seasons of work, and further articulate the sequence of use and alteration of the castle basement from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. Several notable features were discovered during the 2018-19 season of archaeological work at the castle. One of the highlights was the identification and preservation of probable 16th-century earth mortar plaster and exterior harling. Also of great interest was the recording of a suite of 16th-century fireplaces and a bake-oven. Excavation through the 18th-century floor exposed parts of the 16th-century floor, part of the fireplace hearths, and the original course of the castle drain.