2022:909 - Killinardan and Kiltalown, Dublin

Pre-development testing was carried out at Killinardan and Kiltalown, Dublin 24. The southern extent of the development area includes the site of a recorded holy well (DU021-055), which will be preserved in situ.

Archaeological testing was carried out over the course of 11 days from 21 November 2022 using a mechanical excavator fitted with a flat grading bucket. Testing revealed nine areas of archaeological significance, which have been designated as Archaeological Areas (AA) 1-8.

The Archaeological Areas comprised two truncated burnt spread features (AA4 and 5), sections of substantial linear and curvilinear ditches (AA1 and 4), burnt structural remains and associated stake-holes (AA8) and three undiagnostic features consisting of three sub-circular pits (AA2, 3, 6 and 7) and one heavily truncated charcoal-rich spread (AA2)

The majority of archaeological features recorded throughout the testing programme are located at the base of the slopes leading into the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. The burnt spread features in AA4 and 5 are located within a marginal environment with access to water and woodland fuel sources. It is likely that the features containing heat-affected stone represent the remains of Bronze Age burnt mound activity, which are common archaeological sites within the landscape.

The substantial ditches described within AA1 and 4 do not possess an obvious function, but may represent more substantial land boundaries. A number of scattered smaller pit features were also identified, which may represent the remains of kilns or isolated events.

A programme of pre-development mitigation was recommended.