2019:841 - CLONDALKIN: Nangor Road, Dublin

A programme of archaeological monitoring took place between 1 and 18 July 2019 at Nangor Road, Clondalkin, during construction works for the extension of an existing Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) compound. It followed on from a programme of testing undertaken by IAC Archaeology under the same licence number.

Monitoring of the removal of the overburden and the concrete rafts within the extent of the existing compound area confirmed the presence of two highly-disturbed post medieval metalled surfaces and the foundation wall of a post-medieval building previously recorded in testing to the south of the existing compound.

The western metalled surface consisted of rounded stone of varying sizes, averaging 0.17m long by 0.07m wide. The metalled surface to the northeast was more uniform in its composition with the stones measuring c. 0.04–0.1m long by 0.03–0.1m wide. Fragments of red brick, post-medieval and modern pottery and glass were embedded into both surfaces.

Three sides of the foundation of a stone wall structure were identified to the northeast of the metaled surfaces. The foundation wall measured 0.5m in width and enclosed a space measuring 9m x 8m. The return wall at the northeast was completely truncated. The internal measurements of the structure were 5m north–south by 6m. The stone wall was constructed of two outer stone layers filled with a whiteish-grey mortar. The walls of the structure align with an outbuilding associated with the 18th-century ‘Nangor Castle’ as depicted on the 25-inch map of 1906–9.

No additional features were identified within the extent of the extension area or within the temporary working area.

The area was found to have been highly disturbed in recent years based on the depth of overburden and the presence of concrete rafts located within the area of development.

The underlying natural subsoil identified within the extent of the extension area consisted of a mid-yellow-brown silty clay.