Building works for a new apartment block on Seatown Rd, Swords has uncovered the remains of what is believed to be a building dating back to the 1500s.
Wall foundations and a patch of cobbled flooring have been exposed by builders and investigations are now taking place to get a better understanding of the significance of the find.
The site is located right beside the Fingal County Council building and it is believed to be the remains of a building that was contained in historic maps from the early 19th Century, although staff believe it may date back to the 16th Century.
A horseshoe shaped building is contained in historic Tailte Eireann maps online, the first of which were surveyed between 1829 and 1841 (see below).
Archeologists are also looking at a new area under the old St Michael’s House on Seatown Rd. Changes in soil colours are suggesting a ditch or boundary which may be connected to the well sites. This is on the site of the new Swords Cultural Quarter.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“It was very interesting to see the foundations of the old building on the site. I think Fingal County Council are taking all the necessary measures to understand what they have found here. Swords has a rich history dating back to the 6th Century if not before and at such a central town centre location there is likely to be layers of history present. We will have to wait and see if anything significant is located here.”
