What is recorded here

In 1986, foundation trenches for a house in Ballynakillew, County Galway, broke through level pastureland to reveal adult bones and two skulls sheltered beneath a small limestone flag. The shallow depth and deliberate stone cover suggest a quiet, intentional burial rather than a casual discard. Local tradition already whispered that the spot held the dead, giving the trench workers a sudden chill and the field a heavier presence.

In level pastureland. Discovered in 1986 while digging foundation trenches for a house. Bones of several adults, including two skulls covered by a small limestone flag, were uncovered. These lay at a depth of c. 0.25m below the surface. Vague local tradition of burial at this spot. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

A Neolithic burial; dating to c. 4000–2500 BCE, it provides evidence of early funerary practices in the region. The presence of multiple individuals and the use of limestone suggests a communal interment with possible ritual significance.

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