Luas archaeological digs uncovers human skeleton and animal horn

Archaeological digs along the route of Dublin's Luas light rail system have revealed a partially dismembered human skeleton and a 14th century animal horn from an extinct species of cattle, among other major finds.

Mr Jim Quinlan, architect with the light rail project office, said the former Maguire and Patterson site off Church Street had yielded a surprising amount of material, including an 18th century cobbled lane with four previous road surfaces.

As its location is near St Michan's Church, dating back to 1095, desktop studies identified the site as having high archaeological potential. As a result, the office commissioned archaeologists Margaret Gowen and Company to excavate it.

Old maps suggest the site may lie within the curtilage of St Michan's, though it is now separated from the church by a Law Library building. Barristers there were given a presentation on the dig.

Finds included an intact 18th century wine bottle, pottery jug and drinking vessel. But Mr Quinlan said the skeleton was the "most exciting find of all". Missing its right arm and leg, it may date from the 18th century also. Pending a report on the dig, the site is to be back-filled and covered to protect further deposits below the excavated level.

The archaeologists have moved to another site beside the former Jameson distillery in Smithfield, where two wells and a cess pit which may date from the sixth century have been found.

According to Mr Quinlan, although laying Luas trackbeds does not require significant construction depths, the diversion of sewage mains, electricity lines and other utilities can mean deep digs.

An earlier excavation at Ballymount, adjacent to a prehistoric enclosure to the north of Tallaght, yielded shards of pottery and a cobbled yard. Further digging last summer revealed a possible souterrain chamber.

The archaeologists are on call to deal with unexpected finds along the Luas alignment. They are monitoring the demolition of buildings on the south side of Mary's Abbey.

All of the excavations have been licensed by Duchas, the Heritage Service.