2026:051 - Wynnes Wall Glendalough, Wicklow

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken during conservation repair works to a section of boundary wall known as Wynne’s Wall at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. The works were carried out under Ministerial Consent C001492 and involved the stabilisation and partial reconstruction of approximately 90 m of a dry-stone and clay-bonded boundary wall located along the R757 within lands managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The wall forms part of the historic boundary system associated with the Glendalough monastic complex, a National Monument in State ownership (No. 134).

Monitoring was carried out intermittently between 15 December 2025 and the end of January 2026 during the dismantling and rebuilding of sections of the wall. In the majority of areas exposed during the works, only sod, topsoil and natural subsoil deposits were encountered and no archaeological features or artefacts were identified.

In one section (Section D), two deposits of potential archaeological interest were observed in section. These consisted of a charcoal-rich sand lens overlying a layer of heat-affected natural soil, interpreted as evidence for a localized burning episode or hearth. As these deposits were visible only in section and were not directly impacted by the works, they were preserved in situ.

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken during conservation repair works to a section of boundary wall known as Wynne’s Wall at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. The works were carried out under Ministerial Consent C001492 and involved the stabilisation and partial reconstruction of approximately 90 m of a dry-stone and clay-bonded boundary wall located along the R757 within lands managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The wall forms part of the historic boundary system associated with the Glendalough monastic complex, a National Monument in State ownership No. 134.

Monitoring was carried out intermittently between 15 December 2025 and the end of January 2026 during the dismantling and rebuilding of sections of the wall. In the majority of areas exposed during the works, only sod, topsoil and natural subsoil deposits were encountered and no archaeological features or artefacts were identified.

In one section (Section D), two deposits of potential archaeological interest were observed in section. These consisted of a charcoal-rich sand lens overlying a layer of heat-affected natural soil, interpreted as evidence for a localized burning episode or hearth. As these deposits were visible only in section and were not directly impacted by the works and they were preserved in situ.