2024:603 - Abbey Lane, Abbeylands, Arklow, Wicklow

Archaeological monitoring was conducted in 2024 during the development of an outdoor seating area at Abbey Lane, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Located within the Zone of Notification for Arklow Historic Town and adjacent to the Abbeylands Graveyard, the site was historically occupied by 19th-century buildings until their recent demolition. Initial plans for the development, which included ground reduction for foundations, were revised following test trenching in 2022 that revealed disarticulated human remains and intact medieval burials at a depth of 0.3m. These remains likely relate to the 13th-century Dominican Friary. In response, the design was adapted to preserve all archaeology in situ by avoiding deep excavation, raising ground levels, and replacing foundations with lightweight structures. The revised approach involved only shallow removal of demolition rubble and the installation of a flower bed and paving.  No additional features or finds of archaeological significance were encountered.

All works are now complete, and no further archaeological mitigation is required.