Pit-burial in Smarmore

Discovered during ploughing in June 1949 and subsequently excavated by A.T. Lucas. A rock-cut pit (diam. at top 0.6m; diam. at base 0.3m; D 0.5m) covered by a flat rectangular stone. The pit contained an inverted Cordoned Urn over a cremated deposit, that of an adult, possibly male. (Cahill and Sikora 2011, vol. 1, 287-290; Kavanagh 1976, 370, no. 40). 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: 6 July 2012 Revised by: Claire Breen

Rock-cut pit-burial, likely dating to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Its significance lies in the presence of an inverted Cordone, suggesting possible ritual or funerary practices associated with this type of burial.