Slab-lined burial in Grange (east Muskerry By.)

Found in gravel pit on Mr. Reid's land in December 1923 and recorded by Lee (1924, 74-5). Rectangular cist (long axis E-W) measured '5 feet in length and 2 feet in width' and was formed of 'surface stones', three at each side and one at each end (ibid.). Within, in extended position, were remains of an 'adult man, of tall stature' consisting of 'two femurs, two fibulae, two tibiae, part of pelvis, sacrum, some ribs, one humerus, all in a good state of preservation' (ibid., 75). The body had been placed upon 'smaller stones loosely spread upon the gravel bed, then covered by flags' (ibid.). Exact location not known; Lee was also informed by Mr. Reid of two other cists in the immediate vicinity, which also remain unlocated. 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

A rectangular cist tomb, likely dating to the Early Christian or early medieval period; its construction using local surface stones reflects simple burial practices of the period. The find provides insight into early funerary architecture in the Muskerry region.