Megalithic Structure

One of six short cists ( LH004-032002-, LH004-032004-, LH004-032005-, LH004-032006-, LH004-032007-, LH004-032008-) aligned NW-SE, found during excavations by E. E. Evans of Cairn A at Aghnaskeagh (see also LH004-032---- and LH004-032001-). These secondary burials, dating to the Bronze Age, were W and SW of the megalith. Cist (L c. 0.6m, Wth c. 0.5m) had side stones which were unusually low (H 0.23m) but heightened by horizontal slabbing (H 0.15m). A rough floor was constructed using a dozen flat pieces of shale, on which stood three food vessels. The remains of calcined human bones were found throughout the fill of the cist. Under one of the paving stones the seed-coats of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) were found in large quantities and the excavator suggested that these were intentionally placed there, probably as ripe fruit. The above description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 July 2007

Portal dolmen; Neolithic period. Part of a megalithic cemetery, indicating early communal burial practices and social organisation in the region.