Lord Mayor of Dublin Celebrates Student Archaeologists Uncovering Dublin’s Hidden History in St Anne’s Park

Transition Year students from across Dublin have been rolling up their sleeves and digging deep into the city’s past as part of Dublin City Council’s annual St Anne’s Park Community Archaeology Programme.

Through the new “Transition Year Tuesdays” initiative, developed by Dublin City Council and mentored by professional archaeologists from Archaeology and Built Heritage Ltd, the students gained first-hand experience of archaeological excavation—uncovering parts of the long-lost St Anne’s Mansion, once the grand 19th-century home of the Guinness family.

Today Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam, visited the site to commend the students’ saying, “I congratulate the Transition Year students from across Dublin and beyond whose hard work, enthusiasm and curiosity have brought history to life at St Anne’s Park through Dublin City Council’s 2025 Community Archaeology Programme, supported by the Heritage Council and Creative Ireland. Their achievements reveal Dublin’s past and highlight the vital role young people play in exploring and sharing our city’s unique cultural heritage.”

Over five days of fieldwork, the students excavated the remains of Lord Ardilaun’s study, revealing artefacts including fragments of carved stone, decorative plasterwork, stained glass and ornate floor tiles.

The excavation now continues with adult volunteers until Saturday, 20 September, as part of a wider 25-day dig.

Charles Duggan, Dublin City Council Heritage Officer added, “The St Anne’s Park Community Archaeology Programme is an action of Dublin City Council’s Strategic Heritage Plan— which aims to connect people with their past, fostering stewardship, and building skills through hands-on public participation. This year and over the last four years the programme have empowered volunteers young and old to uncover and interpret the archaeology and social history of St Anne’s Park.”

Ruth Johnson, City Archaeologist said, “The community excavation of St Anne’s House is bringing together people of different ages and backgrounds with a common goal – that is to uncover and research the Park’s hidden heritage.  This year the volunteers are once again working with the support of a team of professional archaeologists. This time they are investigating the remains of the entrance hall and of Lord Ardliaun’s study, which all sounds a bit Cluedo! 

The volunteer’s enthusiasm for the dig is infectious and they have reported increased well-being.  Their work has stimulated great public interest and generated local pride in the heritage of the area. St Anne’s is proving an exciting location for public archaeology in Dublin.”

James Kyle, Community Excavation Director added, “As a professional archaeologist, it’s humbling to see the passion and skill of our volunteers, and the incredible support from the wider community. I’m deeply grateful to everyone involved. Our team has embraced the unique challenges of such a public-facing project, proving that community archaeology can truly enrich our lives, our shared history, and our understanding of heritage.”

About the St Anne’s Park Community Archaeology Programme

Now in its fifth year, the programme launched in 2021 under the Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan and is a partnership between DCC Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services, and the Archaeology and Heritage Sections of the Planning and Property Development Department. It is supported by grant funding from The Heritage Council and Creative Ireland.

Highlights of the 2025 programme include:

• A 25-day community excavation of St Anne’s Mansion remains, licensed by the National Monuments Service.
• A public exhibition and finds table, with archaeologists and guides sharing discoveries in real time.
• Accessibility measures, including Braille and large-text transcripts and Irish Sign Language guided tours.
• Education initiatives, from primary school tours to the new TY Tuesdays programme.
• Post-excavation workshops where volunteers will help process artefacts for deposit with the National Museum of Ireland.
• The project continues to bring people of all ages together, promoting well-being, education, cultural pride, and stewardship of Dublin’s unique heritage.

***Photographs will be syndicated to picture desks by Fennell Photography***

 ENDS