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 (see DU015-136005-) identified within Plot 3 which was defined by a series of shallow inter-cutting ditches (14-16m EW x 60m). The toft contained the two structures, along with pits, gullies and wells. This rectangular structure (8.5m x 6m) was located at the front (N) of the toft. It was divided into separate rooms by an internal wall. The southern room (5mEW x 4m) was defined by low foundations walls and contained a packed clay floor and two areas of burning. The second room (2m NS x 4.8m EW) was defined by an L-shaped wall that had been severely truncated and contained a metalled floor. A horse skull had been placed in the centre of the building. Leinster Cooking ware and Dublin wares were recovered from the structure. Charcoal inclusions from the floor deposit included oak and blackthorn while plant remains consisted of barley/wheat, oat, garden pea, and legumes. Radiocarbon analysis of oak charcoal returned a date pf c. AD 1491-1641 (Moriarty 2009, 48) and suggests the main occupation of the settlement was in the 16th – 17th century. Compiled by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 6 February 2015