Loughcrew passage tomb cemetery seriously vandalised
Tuesday 22 September 2026
Significant damage has been caused to the ancient Loughcrew passage tomb cemetery in County Meath by blunt force and graffiti, sparking an investigation by Gardaí.
Vandalism and graffiti have caused significant damage to the Loughcrew passage tomb cemetery in County Meath, a protected National Monument.
A joint statement from the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the National Monuments Service confirmed that stones inside one of the passage tombs have been damaged by blunt force. Some of these affected stones are decorated with ancient megalithic art.
The authorities have categorised the incident as a significant heritage crime and an offence under the National Monuments Acts. Following the discovery, officials from both the OPW and the National Monuments Service carried out an inspection of the Co Meath site.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Gardaí. State bodies are urging the public to show respect for archaeological heritage and to follow the Code for Caring for our monuments.