Cist in Ratoath

A ‘double sepulchral vessel' is said to have been found in a cist at an unknown location in Ratoath in 1864 while removing a ditch. The person who found it said there were cinders inside and it was covered by stones for protection. The vessel can be reconstructed (diam. of rim 6.2cm; diam. of base 13.5cm; H 11cm) with a cylindrical interior and opposed lugs. It has incised decoration of hatched triangles and most resembles a pygmy cup, but the identification is not certain. (Waddell 1974, 144-5) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 10 July 2007 Amended: 22 November 2021

A Neolithic cist tomb; dates to the early Bronze Age period. Its significance lies in the discovery of a double sepulchral vessel, offering insight into burial practices and funerary customs of the time.