Burial mound in Mountwilson,thornwell

Mound partially destroyed and investigated in 1880's (U.J.A. 1853 276-8), said to be c. 2m H and c. 27m in diam, apparently the W half was removed at this time. Contained parallel graves orientated E-W and at least 40 skeletons removed and reburied elsewhere. Mound now 18.6m max. diam; H c. 2m. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Bronze Age burial mound, 11th–8th century BC. Its significance lies in the presence of multiple parallel E-W oriented graves and at least 40 skeletons, indicating a complex funerary practice and social structure in the prehistoric community.