A second major excavation in Dublin's Temple Bar was began yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey.
Among the items uncovered in the first dig, which began last September, were a panel from a gold broach, two ivory walrus pins, a partial skull of a walrus and the remains of Viking houses. Researchers believe part of the site belonged to the industrial sector of 10th century Dublin, which was in use until the 12th century.
The second phase will incorporate two dig sites bordered by Fishamble Street and Essex Street West and will continue until September 1998. Archaeologists expect it to yield significant information on Viking habitation.