2024:301 - Mooretown Ellipse Sites 6 & 7, Dublin

The excavation of two sites, a ditched enclosure site (Site 6) and a fulacht fiadha (Site 7) were carried out in Mooretown, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15. These works carry on from a geophysical survey (22R0036) and archaeological testing (22E0359). The excavation commenced on 22 April 2024 and was completed on 1 November 2024.

Site 6 comprised of a large sub-circular enclosure that measured 42m (east–west) by 35m in internal diameter. A large curvilinear ditch forming an annexed enclosure was identified to the west of the main enclosure ditch. To the south of the enclosure, a number of intersecting linear and curvilinear ditches were present. Based on the lack of finds recovered from the site and the nature of some of the ditch fills which appear to indicate phases of deliberate backfilling, it seems likely that the site was only occupied for a short period, or possibly several short periods. Although, the dating of the site is unclear at present, an early medieval date is thought probable. Is hoped that radiocarbon dating of suitable environmental samples will confirm this.

Site 7 was comprised of a ploughed out fulacht fiadh or burnt mound, with associated troughs and pits, which was truncated by a series of later linear ditches. The fulacht fiadh was situated in low-lying ground that flooded periodically during the winter months and after heavy rain. Two troughs were identified within the south-eastern quadrant. The larger trough contained three post-holes and two pits within the base.

The post-excavation process comprising of digitising the archive and the processing of finds and samples has begun and is ongoing. It is expected that analysis of the environmental remains and radiocarbon dating will assist in dating and phasing the two sites.

Lynwood House, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16