2025:603 - Cherryhound, Spricklestown & Killamonan Nexus, Dublin

Testing followed a geophysical survey report carried out by Target Geophysics in October 2021 (Licence No. 21R0254). The most significant results of the geophysical survey identified evidence for three possible enclosures. The first was an estimated c. 200m in length and was identified by defined rectilinear responses 8–10m apart (Anomalies 5 and 6). Within this possible enclosure, a complex pattern of internal ditches, pits or probable post-holes were noted (Anomalies 7–10). These internal ditches and post-holes potentially extend beyond the limit of the survey towards the south–southeast. The second possible enclosure, located to the east of the large ditches, was identified as a c. 35m diameter circular enclosure which showed strong responses for burnt or fired material to its northwest (Anomalies 11 and 12). A third possible enclosure (Anomaly 17) has shown evidence for shallow or disturbed internal features, however, due to the weak response, the interpretation was cautious. Strong magnetic positives associated with burnt remains (pits or hearths) were identified in the northwest of the same field (Anomalies 13–16). These responses partially lay within the area of archaeological potential for recorded monument DU011-093, classified as an industrial site which was excavated as part of the M2 scheme (03E1360 ext.) Other isolated geophysical anomalies were recorded across the site in the form of weak linear or magnetic responses.

Archaeological excavation followed on from a programme of archaeological testing carried out under licence 21E0839 which identified four areas of archaeological potential (AA1–4).

• AA1: AA1 was defined by a possible rectilinear enclosure, formed by two ditches c. 8m apart and c. 200m long (identified in the Geophysical survey as Anomalies 5 and 6). It was suggested that the ditches may have related to a former boundary or former alignment of the townland boundary. Three ditches extended from the outer enclosure ditch and may have been part of an extended field system. A number of potential archaeological features were identified in the interior of the enclosed area (relating to Anomalies 7–10). The area of AA1 included the possible enclosure identified by Anomalies 11 and 12 to the east of the larger ditches. Testing of this feature was inconclusive with some evidence that it may at least in part be drainage related, however, an archaeological origin was not completely ruled out, but no evidence of a full enclosure or significant monument existed. It was not possible to test beneath overhead powerlines that dissected AA1, but it was highly likely that archaeological remains continued.

• AA2: An isolated pit was identified in the southeast of the test area in the location of Anomaly 20.

• AA3: Five linear features were identified in the eastern side of the site in the area of Anomalies 17 and 18.

• AA4a & b: Five other linear features of archaeological potential were identified in the northern part of the site (Anomalies 13–16). Given the proximity of the adjacent excavation associated with the M2 (DU011-093; 03E1360 ext.) it was possible that the features in AA4a/Anomaly 13 were associated with (DU011-093).

The archaeological excavation of areas (AA2–4) commenced on site on 16 June 2025 and was completed by 18 August 2025. It confirmed the presence of a of post-medieval/modern field boundary system located within AA4a along with the remains of an L-shaped and figure-of-eight-shaped kilns likely related to the medieval period.

Two pits were recorded within AA2, and they are very likely associated with the Bronze Age period.

The archaeological excavation carried out at Nexus AA3 revealed the remains of a burnt mound (fulacht fiadh) and associated features likely to be Bronze Age in date and located at the northernmost portion of this area. This portion of AA3 also contained traces of human activity related to a medieval earth-cut well and associated features. The last phase of human activity in this area was associated with a post-medieval boundary ditch. Several furrows, modern in date, were also recorded.

The archaeological excavation carried out within AA4b revealed the remains a field boundary ditch likely to have been medieval in date located at the north-west portion of the area. A post-medieval field boundary ditch was recorded crossing the site.

An updated method statement was submitted in August 2025 to extend the scope of licence 25E0387 to include the archaeological excavation of AA1. It was proposed to carry out excavation of three cuttings (Cuttings 1, 2 and 3) in the location where the two extensive parallel ditches were identified during testing under licence 21E0839, within the footprint of Units 1 and 2 (AA1, identified in the geophysical survey as Anomalies 5 and 6). The aim of this work was to confirm the date and function of the ditches. Archaeological excavation of the three cuttings within AA1 commenced on site on 29 September 2025 and was completed by 16 October 2025.

The excavation in Cutting 1 revealed one ditch likely to be post-medieval in date and related to a boundary division, probably an earlier alignment of the existing townland boundary (Cherryhound-Spricklestown). This field division was also recorded within Cuttings 2 and 3. A second shallow field ditch, broadly contemporary, was recorded at northernmost portion of this cutting while a drainage ditch was recorded to the south.

The excavation in Cutting 2 identified one keyhole-shaped kiln, which may be medieval in date, located at the west of the area while the east portion of this cutting contained the ditch already recorded within Cutting 1 and interpreted as a post-medieval boundary division, probably related to an earlier alignment of the existing townland boundary (Cherryhound-Spricklestown).

The excavation in Cutting 3 identified the same field system uncovered within Cutting 1 and 2 along with two modern linear furrows.

The archaeological excavation of AA1a was not carried out during this phase of works as it lies under ESB overhead wires, and it will be excavated once the main contractor is appointed for the works on this part of the development.