Ringfort - cashel

The National Monuments Service's description

Aerial photographs (CUCAP, BDS 50-56) show four circular cropmarks (diams. av. c. 60m) with associated field systems. These are probably levelled ringforts (Stout and Stout 1992, 17-18). This site was subject to geophysical survey (Licence no. 08R117) and test excavation (Licence no. 09E0448) as part of the proposed Metro North development. A central enclosure ditch (48m x 38) is partially encompassed by a second elliptical enclosing ditch which was only identified on the eastern and southern extent of the complex. An outer enclosing ditch (73m x 64m) was also identified enclosing the central and elliptical enclosures and appears to define the extent of the archaeological complex. A rectilinear enclosure or possible annexe (14m x 7m) was also identified on the southeastern side of complex. While no diagnostic material was recovered during the testing programme the site is interpreted as a bi-vallate ringfort (Hession 2009, 20).

Compiled by: Geraldine Stout

Updated by: Christine Baker

Date of upload: 16 January 2015

References

Hession, J. 2009a Assessment Report on the results of Metro North Advance Archaeological Test Trenching, Testing Area 2, Belinstown townland, Co. Dublin (Licence no. 09E0448). Unpublished report submitted to the National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Stout, G. and Stout, M. 1992 Patterns in the past: county Dublin, 5000 BC-1000 AD. in F.H.A. Aalen and K. Whelan (eds), Dublin city and county: from prehistory to Present, 5-14. Dublin. Geography Publications.

CUCAP - Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photographs. Unit for Landscape Modelling, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge. See:https://www.cambridgeairphotos.com