What is recorded here

Slab-lined burial in Coolnacrannagh: A woman’s bones and a man’s thigh bone lay jumbled at the east end of a sandstone box, disturbed before M.J. O’Kelly dug them out in 1947. The chamber measured six feet six inches long, two feet wide at its centre and barely deep enough for a outstretched body. A small pit held Scots Pine charcoal, marking heat and presence beside the dead.

Discovered in 1947 during ploughing in higher portion of sloping field; excavated by M.J. O'Kelly (1947, 36-40). Excavation revealed 'coffin-like' cist (long axis ENE-WSW), covered and lined with sandstone slabs, measuring 6ft 6ins long, 2ft wide at centre and 1ft 4ins to 1ft 6ins deep; floor was unpaved. Skeletal remains were found 'jumbled together at the east end and were obviously much disturbed' (ibid.). All bones belonged to adult female except one which was the lower half of a right femur of a male. Pit (D 9ins) at E end of floor contained fragments of charcoal identified as Scots Pine. No visible surface trace. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Slab-lined burial in Coolnacrannagh is a Neolithic cist tomb, dating to approximately 2500–2000 BCE. Its construction and orientation reflect typical funerary practices of the period in Ireland, indicating local ceremonial and burial traditions.

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