What is recorded here

Human bones appeared in the eroding cliff at Trabaun beach in April 2003, revealing one disturbed burial and a nearby cluster of foot bones. The sea had already broken through the grave, exposing what humanity believed hidden. Kilcummin Head keeps no stone marker, only the patience of water and the sudden return of forgotten life.

In the eroding face of low cliff, located at the S end of Trabaun beach on Kilcummin Head, overlooking Killala Bay. Human bones were found eroding from the cliff face in April 2003. The find was investigated by the Gardai, who removed most of the bones, and was subsequently excavated by the National Museum. Two concentrations of bones were found at a depth of c. 0.36-0.54m below the top of the low cliff, underlying a naturally-occurring layer of water rolled cobbles. One was a burial (MA015-076001-), completely disturbed, of the inhumed remains of one individual. The second concentration of bones (MA015-076002-) was found c. 4m SE, and comprised only foot bones and part of a pelvis. It may represent bones displaced from the burial (MA015-076001-) mentioned above, or it may be part of a second burial. No evidence of grave structures was found. (Cahill and Sikora 2011, 383-4). Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 December 2018

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