2021:524 - Coldwinters, Dublin

Test excavations were carried out in response to a planning condition and were undertaken between 13 and 17 December 2021. Ten test trenches totalling 2722 linear metres (5716 sq. m.; c. 7% of the area) were excavated across the site. A 16-tonne tracked excavator using a 2.1m grading bucket excavated the trenches under constant archaeological supervision. Evidence for previous disturbance, including deposits of introduced soils, was identified in most trenches. The introduced soils mostly comprised relatively clean subsoil deposits and is thought likely they related to the site’s previous use as a golf course. Bunker sand and gravels were also present while deposits, including household rubbish, were encountered and thought likely to have been related to the works associated with the underground water pipe alongside the roadway. Loose limestone bedrock was close to the surface at points, particularly on a low ridge in proximity to a stand of trees and topsoil was only 0.2m in depth around there. Deeper deposits were encountered at the south-eastern end of the trenches, up to 1m in depth before the natural was reached. It is uncertain whether this is a natural occurrence or reflects changes due to reinstatement after the golf course went out of use. Subsoil was generally a mixture of a compact yellow/grey clays and limestone seams. No features, layers or objects of archaeological significance were identified.
In-filled ditches were located in the northern and southern section of the site. They appear likely to be the remains of field boundaries destroyed during field consolidation. Numerous white-glazed and black earthenware pottery sherds and clay pipe shafts were discovered during the test excavation but were not retained.

Unit 8 Beat Centre, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin