2022:231 - ABBEY GROUNDS, Wicklow

An impact assessment including test trenching in order to determine the potential impact of a design proposal for the Abbey Grounds, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow was completed in June 2022.

The Abbey grounds comprise the 13th-century ruins of the former Franciscan friary in the centre of a park consisting of lawns, shrubs and mature trees located in the heart of Wicklow Town and is enclosed by a stone boundary wall. In the 19th century, paths were laid out around the friary ruins, and the landscape was managed as a garden.

The purpose of the test trenching based upon the results of a geophysical survey and design proposal was to identify the depth and nature of the archaeology which will be impacted upon by the proposed development.

The most significant archaeology is located to the south and west of the friary, between the ruins and the coach house. Three test trenches contained at least 9 burials, to the west and south the friary, however there is potential for many more to be uncovered. The dating of these burials is not confirmed, and they may date from any era, from the time of the founding of the friary in the 13^th century to its post-dissolution history when it was used as a gaol, courthouse, and garrison. The pottery uncovered comprised 9 medieval sherds, 3 post-medieval fragments and tile which is 16^th–17^th century in date. The metal finds also appear, on preliminary analysis, to be medieval in date.