2025:425 - Corkagh Park, Corkagh Demesne, Clondalkin, Dublin

This archaeological monitoring was undertaken at an area referred to as the ‘Hub Zone,’ located to the north of Corkagh Regional Park, Corkagh Demesne, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The remains of a large structure, likely those of the 17th- and 18th-century Corkagh House, demolished in the 1960s, were discovered during test excavation (23E0213) in April 2023. It was determined by the Department that, prior to consideration of full excavation, a further investigation should take place as it was suspected that Corkagh House was built directly on top of the Castle (RMP DU021-011001). The additional test excavation for this assessment was undertaken in July 2023 by Maeve McCormick of Archer Heritage Planning Ltd under licence no 23E0423. These works uncovered several foundation walls on a variety of alignments and three cobbled floor surfaces alongside evidence of demolition/rubble layers, a tunnel/culvert, modern utilities and modern path. A full-scale excavation (23E0423 ext.) was undertaken in September 2023 in order to resolve the site to construct the Hub Zone. All foundation walls seemed to be relatively modern in date and correspond to the 17th- & 18th-century structures depicted on historical mapping. There was no evidence of the Historical Castle (RMP DU021-011001) which was suspected due to historical sources to be in this location.

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken between September 2023 and November 2025 during the course of construction under licence no 23E0423 ext. Three small culverts, one large culvert and the continuation of the larger culvert/tunnel C3 excavated during the original works were uncovered during the monitoring works. They were all of similar construction and likely to be contemporary with the 17th-/18th-century estate house which was demolished in the 1960s.

Nothing of archaeological significance was recorded in the course of the monitoring works. The site is now complete and fully landscaped. No further works are required.