2020:815 - Collegeland, Baldonnell, Dublin, Dublin

Archaeological activity from across the sites comprised prehistoric burnt spreads with associated pits and troughs, a trivallate barrow, and early medieval kilns.

Collegeland 1 was located at ITM 703305, 727830 and comprised a burnt spread and associated troughs, pits and post-holes.

Collegeland 2 was located at ITM 703245, 727910 and consisted of two burnt spreads and associated features. One area of activity in particular was repeatedly re-used: troughs were deliberately backfilled and new features then excavated into these backfilled features.

Collegeland 3 was located at ITM 702950, 727590 and contained a trivallate barrow with a maximum diameter of c. 33m. A total of 10 cremation deposits, 15 skeletons and 56 token cremation deposits were recorded here. Associated with these burials were 13 ceramic vessels, copper-alloy pins, lignite beads and assorted lithic artefacts. The site was heavily disturbed by seven kilns found across the area, a field boundary and a possible stream which affected a portion of the outer ditch.

Collegeland 4 was located at ITM 702960, 727480 and comprised a group of pits and a possible kiln. Some prehistoric pottery and flint were recovered from one of the pits, and another pit yielded a flint blade. At the southern end of the site was a north-east/south-west oriented linear ditch that was cut by later features.

Collegeland 5 was located at ITM 703000, 727770 and consisted of a burnt spread and associated pits/troughs. It was identified during monitoring of general topsoil stripping on site.

The preliminary site interpretation has been based on stratigraphic relationships between features that were identified during the excavation works. It is hoped that further post-excavation works, including analysis of artefacts recovered from the site and obtaining AMS dates, will add to our understanding and interpretation of the site.

c/o IAC Ltd, Unit G1 Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow