Some local archaeology

caesarthechimp

I heard a few days ago that some human remains have been unearthed at a previously unknown prehistoric cremation site/tomb during initial excavations for a new housing development at Gorteen Way in Delgany. this would be about 100 metres up Bellevue hill, from Delgany village.


That reminded me that an ancient musical instrument, perhaps the oldest in Europe, was discovered when Charlesland was being built.


It seems a pity that when these things are discovered, they are quickly forgotten about again.
I think some kind of permanent plaque and/or information board near the site of any such discoveries would be useful and educational. It would be an addition to local interest and colour.
Although Greystones itself consisted of only a few fishermans cottages prior to the coming of the railway in 1855, there seems to be a rich history north and south of the current town.


To the north, we have St Crispins Cell and some remains of Rathdown Castle although most has been eroded by the sea. In Medieval times this was a major seat of power extending all the way towards south Dublin hence the name of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown council. You can walk around this area via Redfork Park estate, or divert from the Cliff Path walk.


To the south, if you walk along the beach towards Kilcoole you can see an old limekiln just inside the grounds of the Charleland golf course. The Three Trouts Stream enters the sea near here, and along the banks of the stream seems to have been a very old place for human habitation. The river runs up through Charlesland estate and on up to Delgany village, which was once the scene of a major battle between Wicklow Gaels and Dublin Vikings. Apparently the vikings were hoping to loot a monastery in the village, but were ambushed as they came off the N11 (sort of!) at Barry's Bridge.


At the bridge in Delgany, a lot of JCB excavation work was done by the council 3 years ago for the installation of hard standings and septic holding tanks for "temporary housing units". As this riverside location is likely to have been the location of the very earliest human habitation in Delgany, its a pity that there was no prior assessment or consultation, and that no archaeologist was present at the works.


Further up, towards the mountains, the Old Downs Village which is almost non-existent nowadays was once a bustling village. The grassy triangle in the centre of it was once a village green surrounded by houses. There is walk leading off this called Hangmans Lane, which leads up to a high viewing point that overlooks the Glen of the Downs. It seems some of the villagers were highwaymen and at this point, known as Hangmans Rock, many of them met a grisly end.



So... please contribute any other interesting snippets of information.
Constructive criticism and the correction of any historical inaccuracies is welcome, but lets try to keep it interesting and not get too nitpicky.

Annasopra

There is an archaeological dig next week


http://greystonestidytowns.ie/2018/10/the-dig-at-st-crispins-cell-rathdown-heritage-site/

caesarthechimp

I wonder why they picked November for it?
Not a great time of year for mucking around in a trench, with all the rain and autumn leaves blowing around everywhere.

pixbyjohn

Found at St. Crispin's Cell dig Nov. 2018 by Pixbyjohn, on Flickr

pixbyjohn

Found at St. Crispin's Cell dig Nov. 2018 by Pixbyjohn, on Flickr