An early Christian burial ground has been uncovered during the building of a petrol station in Dublin.
The discovery at Cabinteely in south Dublin could provide archaeologists with significant insight into the lives and habits of the local people dating back to the ninth century.
It was a case of the developer unearthing the past.
A petrol station was being developed for Esso Ireland when a burial ground dating back to the early Christian period was discovered.
Around one thousand skeletons have been found together with shroud pins, iron knives and ceramics.
Archaeologist Margaret Gowan says the find shows a population of people who lived in south county Dublin between the 9th and the 12th centuries. The demographics of the remains are mixed in age and gender. The discovery provides evidence of all sorts of diseases, bone breakages and diet.
It is thought that the burial site may have been part of a larger ecclesiastical settlement. Human bones have been discovered near the site since the 1930s.
When Esso acquired the land, there was a garage and two bungalows on the site. The burial ground that lay beneath remained intact. Esso is now funding all excavation works. Niamh Wood, Esso Ireland, says that the planned petrol station will not go ahead until they are completely satisfied that the site has been fully excavated. There are plans to create a database of all discoveries and the remains will be transferred to the National Museum of Ireland.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 July 1998. The reporter is Roisín Duffy.
