2022:519 - Kilshane, Dublin

Archaeological test excavations and monitoring of Geotechnical Site Investigation works took place as part of a due diligence exercise in the townland of Kilshane, Co. Dublin between 5 August and 12 September 2022. The site included two fields (Field 1 and Field 2) measuring a total of c.7.1ha. A total of 474.5 linear metres was tested within Field 1 and 769 linear metres of Field 2. Both fields were investigated through a combination of targeted and random test trenching. All anomalies identified during the geophysical surveys previously undertaken by Target Archaeological Geophysics (Field 1) (Licence Number 22R0059) & Dr Ger Dowling in Field 2 (22R0201)) were investigated.
Three major enclosing ditches originally identified through geophysics were confirmed by testing. The ditches are substantial in scale with the main outer boundary enclosing ditch having a diameter of approximately 110m north-east/south-west and measured 3.1–4.2m wide and a maximum of 1.53m deep. The middle enclosure ditch measured approximately 90m north-east/south-west, approximately 3m wide and 1–1.2m deep. The inner enclosure ditch measured approximately 78m in diameter north-east/south-west, approximately 1.65–3m wide and 0.73m deep. There was no direct evidence for any of the enclosure ditches continuing into Field 1 and it is possible that the enclosures represent a more D-shaped pattern with their eastern perimeter delineated by the current north–south field boundary.
In association with these enclosing boundary ditches, a number of radial, possible annex ditches were identified within Field 2. These are likely to represent small fields or paddocks. They measured 25–35m in length intersecting the three main enclosure boundary ditches. Many of these ditches included evidence for animal bones, shells and occasional charcoal inclusions. They varied in shape and size ranging between 0.4–3.42m wide and 0.13–1.16m deep. A concentration of metal slag recorded from the south-east corner of Field 2 may indicate an industrial aspect to the site in the form of making or repairing tools and artefacts. A single adult human tooth was also recorded from one of the ditches.
The discovery of skeletal remains in Trench 10 and the additional cutting subsequently opened to the west of this indicates a continuation of the known burial ground (DU014-048) where 123 skeletons were excavated by Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd in advance of the gas pipeline in 1988. Testing identified up to eight individuals approximately 0.2–0.3m below ground level. The methodology focused on identifying but not fully exposing any burials, to minimise disturbance. As such no grave cuts were visible as excavation was halted on the initial discovery of remains. The majority of the remains identified consisted of cranial fragments. Also, as per the Method Statement, three sondages were strategically inserted into Trench 10 to investigate the vertical stratigraphy within the burial ground. Human remains were identified in all three sondages between 0.14–0.18m deep. As the western extent of the burial ground had not been identified an area measuring 6.8m north–south by 5m was opened to the west of Trench 10. Nine areas of scattered skeletal remains were identified across the cutting, approximately 0.28–0.38m below ground level. The scattering of skeletal remains became less evident closer to the field hedge, possibly indicating the western extent of the burial ground
Burials were not identified during testing in Field 2 and it appears likely, based on testing undertaken, that burials are confined to the western portion of Field 1, adjacent to the known burial ground. Based on the original results from the excavation of the burial ground, the skeletal remains identified are also likely to date between the ninth and thirteenth centuries.
A number of additional ditches, stone drains, a charcoal spread and a charcoal-rich pit were also identified.
Preliminary results would indicate a possible multi-phased early medieval enclosure settlement site with evidence for agricultural activity, field systems, metalworking and burial.

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