Archaeologists conducting preparatory site investigations for the Greater Dublin Drainage project have uncovered an early medieval ringfort and an early Bronze Age flint tool at Sheephill in Abbotstown, County Dublin, state utility Uisce Éireann announced on Friday.

Project archaeologists identified the buried remains through a combination of geophysical surveys and test trenching. The subterranean circular enclosure is an early medieval ringfort, a type of farmstead and livestock enclosure that typically dates from between AD 600 and AD 900. In addition to the medieval ringfort, excavation teams recovered an early Bronze Age flint hollow scraper, providing evidence of human settlement and activity on the land dating back thousands of years.

Project archaeologist Derek Gallagher said the investigation team identified the circular enclosure hidden beneath the surface, noting that such discoveries offer a permanent record contributing to the historical understanding of the Abbotstown area. Uisce Éireann stated that the site works were carried out under an archaeological excavation licence issued by the National Monuments Service, ensuring standard procedures for examining and preserving finds.

Representatives from the Blanchardstown and Castleknock History Society as well as the Clonsilla & Porterstown Heritage Society recently visited the location to inspect the uncovered remnants. Uisce Éireann confirmed that all archival records and documentation from the excavation will be deposited with the National Monuments Service Archive, while all physical artifacts recovered will be transferred to the National Museum of Ireland.

The archaeological work comes as site preparation continues for the Greater Dublin Drainage project. The regional infrastructure scheme is designed to provide wastewater treatment capacity for approximately 500,000 people and support the development of up to 185,000 new homes across north Dublin and surrounding areas in Kildare and Meath.