Structure in Portmarnock

An extensive later medieval settlement (c. 50-70m NS x 110m), containing six well-defined property plots, was excavated at Station Road, Portmarnock (Licence no. 08E0376). The six plots were defined by linear ditches and were separated into toft and croft areas by internal divisions. This structure, one of two (see DU015-136003-), was identified within Plot 2 which was defined by a series of shallow inter-cutting ditches (14m - 16m E-W x 65m). The partial remains of two buildings and an associated yard area were identified to the front of the toft, while the croft was largely devoid of features. This structure was defined by shallow foundation cuts which enclosed a sub-rectangular area (6m N-S x 7m E-W). Although severely truncated by 17th century ditch and pits, the foundation cuts contained some in situ wall stones including a foundation pad. The partial remains of a packed floor and charcoal spread were uncovered in the interior. A large assemblage of artefacts was recovered during the excavation, including in excess of 2,000 sherds of medieval pottery, mainly locally produced Leinster cooking ware and Dublin-type wares, as well as large numbers of metal objects (3,001). Evidence for food waste included large amounts of butchered animal bone as well as quantities of seashell (cockles, muscles, oysters, periwinkles, razor shell, etc.) and carbonised grains. Radiocarbon analysis suggests the main occupation of the settlement was in the 16th – 17th century (Moriarty 2009). Compiled by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 6 February 2015