Burial in Ballynakilla East

Uncovered during quarrying in gravel pit in late 1950s/early 1960s. According to landowner, skeletons of 40 humans and a horse were found. Burials were extended and lying E-W, c. 11/2ft underground. Pit also found contained furnace bottom (UCC). Bones reinterred in NW corner of field. Bones, since found occasionally by owner when ploughing adjacent field, buried under tree and in front lawn of house. Cist burial (CO002-122---) also found in gravel pit. See also Excavations 2003, 36-7. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

A Neolithic collective burial; significant for its multiple human and animal remains, indicating early ritual or community burial practices.