- Lionsden, Co. Meath, Meath

In September 1986 human remains were discovered during digging on a farm at Lionsden, near Longwood, Co. Meath.²⁰⁹ The remains consisted of human lower limbs representing at least three individuals. The site was not visited by Museum personnel, but the remains were examined by Professor John Fraher of the Anatomy Department in University College Cork. The burials appear to have been unaccompanied inhumations in unprotected pits. According to the finder’s description, the burials had been extended, aligned west/east, and lay underneath the wall of an old corn mill. The remains were not acquired by the Museum, but the site was preserved in situ by a layer of concrete. In 2006 the discovery of further burials was reported to the Museum and the site was visited by Maeve Sikora and Fiona Reilly. A dwelling house had been built and heavily disturbed human bone (2006:111) was found throughout the surrounding topsoil. Two perforated scallop shells were also found in the disturbed topsoil (2006:112–13), indicating that burials took place here in the medieval period.

209. Parish of Castlerickard, barony of Upper Moyfenrath. SMR ME-041-019——. IGR 271195 249771.