Megalithic tomb in Cuffsborough

Graves (1852, 358) has recorded the discovery of a 'beehive-shaped chamber' under an earthen mound. The chamber measured five feet (c. 1.50m) in diameter and was built with large stones rising about three and a half feet(c. 1.05m) above the ground. These orthostats supported tiers of corbelling on which rested a single large roofstone. On the floor of the chamber two skeletons were found lying confusedly. The monument was removed at the time and its precise location is not known. (Graves 1852-3, 358; Ryan 1981, 143). Described by Rev. James Graves as 'Some years since, the proprietor of the lands of Cuffsborough, in the parish of Aghaboe, and Queen's County, determined on removing a hillock or mound of earth then existing in one of his fields. After his labourers had cleared away a considerable portion of the earth, they came to a beehive-shaped structure of rough stones; three or four of which being removed, gave entrance to a sepulchral chamber within, for such it proved to be. This chamber, which measured about five feet in diameter, had been formed by placing a circle of large stones on edge, at the back of which clay and small stones appear to have been carefully rammed down; these stones were about three and a half feet in height from the floor of the chamber. On the upper edge of this circle, and with a slight projection over its inner face, was laid horizontally another circle of large flat stones; above these another row with the same projection over the former, and so on until the dome was closed at the apex by a single large stone. The floor of this chamber which was perfectly dry, was covered by about an inch of very fine dust, and in the centre, lying confusedly, were the bones of two human skeletons. The bones were quite perfect when the chamber was first opened, but, when exposed to the action of the atmosphere in a short time they crumbled away. It would appear as if the bodies had been placed in a sitting posture, and that the bones in the process of decay had fallen upon the other. Subsequently to the completion of the rude stone-work above described a mound of earth was heaped up over all; thus forming a sepulchral tumulus. I am sorry to say that all trace of the interesting sepulchral chmaber above described is now obliterated. Shortly after its discovery, some persons proceeded to excavate beneath the upright stones which formed the sides, in search of that universally desired, and therefore dreamed of object a 'crock of gold'. This caused a subsidence, which at once reduced the whole structure to an undistinguishable mass of ruins, and the very stones are, I believe, now entirely removed' (JRSAI 2, 1852-3, 358). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007