Eirgrid unearths medieval burial ground in Dublin

EARLY Christian remains have been uncovered by contractors working on the largest energy project in the country.

The medieval burial ground was discovered on farmland in Rush, north Co Dublin, in June as Eirgrid laid piping for a high-voltage direct current underground power line.

Radiocarbon tests at Queens University, Belfast, have revealed the site dates back to the seventh century.

Archaeologists would not speculate on the number of remains on the site but confirmed that they were pre-Viking and from the conversion period of Christianity.

“It is an interesting historical discovery for the project, local archaeologists and the local community,” said John Fitzgerald, project director with Eirgrid. “We are working with Fingal County Council and the National Monuments Service, and will provide more detailed information to the public about the archaeological site as soon as we know more.”

The current phase of defining the extent and content of the find is expected to be finished later this month.

Investigations are continuing into the use of the site for burial, the possible existence of other features which may be associated with it, or proof of activity which would pre-date or post-date the era.

“This discovery at Rush appears to be from the early Christian period,” said heritage officer at Fingal County Council, Gerry Clabby.

“Every discovery from this period adds to our knowledge and understanding of what life was like over 1,400 years ago in Fingal.

“There have been a number of similar discoveries of previously unknown archaeological sites in Fingal in recent years.”