Cremation pit in Raheennamadra

In reclaimed pasture 130m N of the townland boundary with Mitchelstowndown East. One of two cremation pits (LI049-014001/2-), lying 8.7m apart, identified during excavations associated with the gas pipeline (BGE Ref. 2/20/1). Excavated by Claire Walsh in 1986 the results of which were summarised as follows; ‘Two unenclosed, heavily truncated pits (topsoil was up to 50cm deep). The area around the pits was cleaned back by machine, under supervision, but no other features were noted. Pit B lay 8.7m from pit A. It measured 55cm x 58cm and was only 15cm deep. The fill yielded abundant fragments of cremated bone. Both samples of bone were identified as human. Those from pit B could not be identified as other than those of an adult’ (Gowen 1988, 84, 180; Walsh 1987, 26-7). See location map taken from Gowen 1988, 84. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 22 September 2021