2022:296 - Quantum Distribution Park, Newtown, Kilshane Cross, Dublin

Archaeological excavation and monitoring of construction work took place at Quantum Distribution Park, Newtown, Kilshane Cross, Co. Dublin, at the site of a proposed warehouse development.

The excavations and monitoring followed on from a programme of testing undertaken in Quantum Distribution Park by Martin Byrne of Byrne Mullins & Associates in April 2016 and January 2019 under licences 16R0049 and 19E0075. The primary purpose of the testing was to determine the archaeological potential of the detected geophysical anomalies. Two features of archaeological interest/potential were uncovered, a spread of charcoal-rich soil with some heated stone fragments in T1, and a small D-shaped pit - measuring 0.53m by 0.46m - in T16. These corresponds to Sites 1 and 2 of the present excavation respectively.

In addition, during monitoring of topsoil removal two new sites were identified.

Therefore, a total of four archaeological sites (1-4) were excavated.

Site 1
Excavation confirmed the spread identified in testing (T1) was not of archaeological significance. Two field drains were also identified across Site 1 and joined in form of “T”. They may represent part of the same drainage system.

Site 2
Archaeological excavation identified a cluster of 10 kilns, 7 pits, a probable cremation pit and 20 post-holes/stake-holes. There is a clear horseshoe pattern in the northern kiln activity which is unlikely to be coincidental. However, without dating and specialist analysis which will be completed as part of the post-excavation works, it is difficult to interrogate the significance to this pattern. The results are presented broadly by typology and location.

Overall, four phases of activity were identified on Site 2. The first phase was defined by one pit followed by a cluster of 10 kilns and their re-use. The last phase was identified as some post-holes and small pits cutting the kilns. A large number of features, mostly post-holes/stake-holes and some pits, may be part of any of the mentioned phases, as no direct association was established. An entire urn vessel was retrieved from one pit. The deposition of the vessel may indicate a Bronze Age tradition, possible related to a burial/ritual site. Possibly related to the urn pit, a cremation pit with burnt bone and charcoal-rich soil was identified cutting a re-used kiln. Any possible association between the cremation pit and urn pit will be confirmed during post-excavation analysis and dating.

Site 3 consisted of a cluster of small pits, post- and stake-holes with one kiln and hearth. Two potential phases of activity were established although the overall activity may be broadly contemporary and related to the kiln activity.

Site 4 consisted of a cluster of two kilns and small pit, which again may relate to the wider kiln-type activity as identified in Site 2.

It is hoped that the results of the post-excavation analysis of samples retrieved from the site will add clarity to the date, function and form of the features identified and preserved by record.

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