In 2017 Dinas Dinlle became the focus of new archaeological and palynological research and survey work as part of the 2017-2023 EU-funded CHERISH Ireland-Wales project (see notes). CHERISH-funded geophysical (Magnetometry) survey in the field to the south of the hillfort in 2018 identified multi-period anomalies, which were then investigated through excavation in 2019.

In August 2019 the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust was funded by CHERISH to run a 3-week evaluation excavation involving local volunteers. These excavations uncovered evidence of post-medieval activity in the field south of the hillfort, including the remains of a demolished 19th century farm building, indicated by a substantial quantity of rubble. 19th century pottery, glass and metal were found, including black lead glazed Buckley Ware pottery, a few sherds of creamwares and transfer printed pottery, and a small number of heavily corroded ferrous items. This building, alongside other nearby settlement and agricultural activity is depicted on the 1849 Tithe Award Map.

References: 

Hopewell, D. 2018. Geophysical Survey at Dinas Dinlle Hillfort, Llandwrog, Gwynedd. GAT Report No. 1434. http://www.walesher1974.org/her/groups/GAT/media/GAT_Reports/GATreport_1434_compressed.pdf
Hopewell, D. 2021. An interim summary of the results of the excavations at Dinas Dinlle (2019 and 2021). Gwynedd Archaeological Trust. 
Lynes, M.S.; Ferreira, C.; Oattes, A.M.; Jones, B.; Evans, R.; McGuinness, N. and Ryan Young, C. 2021. Dines Dinlle archaeological evaluation excavation: Final Report. Project No. G2608, Report No. 1582. Historic Environment Record Event Primary Reference Number: 4547.  http://www.walesher1974.org/her/groups/GAT/media/GAT_Reports/GATreport_1582_compressed.pdf

H. Genders Boyd, RCAHMW for the CHERISH Project, February 2022. 

Site Record

19th century farm building (excavated remains) at Dinas Dinlle