2022:045 - Kilshane, Dublin

The site was excavated pre-planning in advance of a warehouse development, off Kilshane Avenue, in the Northwest Logistics Park, Ballycoolin, Co. Dublin. The excavation followed an archaeological assessment including geophysical survey carried out in June 2021 and archaeological testing carried out in June-July 2021, followed by consultation with the National Monuments Service (NMS) of the DHLGH to discuss an appropriate archaeological mitigation strategy.

The geophysical survey identified a possible D-shaped enclosure and adjacent sub-circular enclosure which appeared to be associated. At both the eastern and western extents of the survey area there were also responses indicative of rectilinear enclosures. Testing confirmed the presence of the four enclosures indicated in the geophysical survey and that they were of archaeological interest. The current phase of excavation focused on one of the enclosures, with the remaining sites being excavated  in a second phase under a separate licence (22E0045).

The archaeological excavation took place over five months from 13^th September 2021 to 18^th February 2022 with a team of up to 16 archaeologists.

Site C comprised a large rectangular ditched enclosure, the eastern side of which lay outside the excavation area. The enclosure was oriented north-east/south-west and measured 44m north-east/south-west internally by at least 37m. The ditch ranged from 2.5–4m in width and 0.8–2.4m in depth; a narrow entrance was identified on the southern side of the enclosure. The ditch was deepest to the west of the entranceway and this area may have also functioned as a well. Additional features comprised pits, gullies and a disturbed area of burning. Finds recovered during the excavation include a fragment of lignite bracelet, a fragment of a polished stone axe and several flint artefacts. Environmental material recovered include animal bone, charcoal, charred cereals and the pointed base of a waterlogged wooden post from the ditch next to the entrance. The dating of the site is unclear at present and while an early medieval date is thought probable, it is hoped that radiocarbon dating of suitable environmental samples will confirm this.

Site D comprised two pits, a shallow linear ditch and a very large and deep pit. The pit, which measured 6.05m x 7.62m x 1.68m deep, may have functioned as a waterhole. Dating for this feature is uncertain. The two pits contained charcoal and charred cereal and at least one of them is likely to represent a cereal-drying kiln of a type that typically date to the later Iron Age/early medieval period. A fragment of a copper-alloy pin shaft was recovered from the linear feature.

Site E comprised linear ditches, gullies and drains forming part of a field system which appeared to be relatively modern in date.

Following completion of the excavation, monitoring of topsoil removal in the remainder of the development area was also carried out and no further features, deposits or finds of an archaeological nature were identified.

c/o Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy, Lynwood House, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16