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DUNBOYNE 3

A small Neolithic site was identified by testing in 2004 at Dunboyne 3 on the southern end of the scheme in Section 1.

Extract of 1st edition Ordnance Survey map (Sheet 50), showing location of site at Dunboyne 3, which is indicated by the blue circle on the right hand side of the map. The main road from Dunboyne to Dunshaughlin runs south-west / north-east on the left hand side of the map. The town of Dunboyne is depicted in the lower left hand corner of the map. The River Tolka flows to the north-east of the site at Dunboyne 3. (Map reproduced by courtesy of the Board of Trinity College Dublin)

The site, located in proximity to the River Tolka, consists of cluster of pits and possible postholes within which sample excavation produced eight sherds of Neolithic pottery, a struck flint blade and fragments of burnt animal bone. It is not uncommon for such artefacts to be found in apparently isolated pits some of which have been interpreted as burial sites. However, while a building plan was not identified in testing it is possible that the features may be part of a Neolithic house.

Preliminary Results of Excavation

Archaeological excavation was undertaken by ACS Ltd in August 2005 and is now complete. Post-excavation analysis is complete.

Excavation revealed a small group of shallow postholes flanking a kidney-shaped pit containing cremated or burnt bone, flint and chert debitage and a number of sherds of prehistoric pottery (a mixed assemblage of Late Neolithic and Beaker styles). These features were apparently isolated but they were located immediately north of an extensive quarry and at the edge of the proposed landtake so more features could be present outside the landtake.

 Return to Section 1.

Final Report

Please click on the link to access the final archaeological report for Dunboyne 3