Burial ground in Ardfry

In February 1957, human remains were uncovered at Ardfry, Oranmore, Co. Galway, when trees were uprooted during a storm. The remains of at least four individuals were discovered close to the holy well (GA094-003003-) just W of the castle (GA094-003001-). The site was first visited by Professor Duignan, of University College Galway, who reported that it was a probably an early Medieval cemetery as the bodies were oriented west-east. The site was also visited by M.J. Allen, Coroner in Galway city. He described finding bones of at least 30 individuals, including children, in the rootball of the felled trees. The burials occurred at a maximum depth of 0.60m below ground level (pers. comm. M. Sikora, NMI). Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 6 December 2010

A Neolithic burial ground, dating to approximately 2500–2000 BCE. Its proximity to a holy well suggests a possible continuity of sacred landscape use from prehistoric to early Christian times.