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 was one of two (DU015-136002-) located within Plot 2. This structure survived as an area of clay flooring (5.4m x 3.5m) with an associated hearth and a western shallow wall cut. It was in a poor state of presentation having been truncated by a medieval gully and 17th century ditch as well as modern deep ploughing. Nine animal skulls (8 horses, 1 sheep) were deliberately placed within the floor when it was thrown down. The horse skulls were all from stallions, the majority of which were over 15 years old at time of death. None had jaw bones attached suggesting that they were defleshed at time of internment. In addition a ferrous knife with maker’s mark (rosette, dot and sideward chevron), Dubin type ware and Leinster Cooking ware were recovered from the floor (Moriarty 2009, 37). 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