National Monuments Service Investigating Intact Tomb Discovered on Dingle Peninsula

An intact and previously undisturbed tomb has been discovered by a landowner on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.

The discovery occurred while a farmer was moving a stone on his land. The underground structure was found to be lined and topped with stone, containing human bone alongside a smooth, oval-shaped stone. The oval stone has since been removed from the site for safekeeping.

Archaeologists from the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland are investigating the find. Local archaeologist Mícheál Ó Coileáin indicated that the orientation and location of the structure initially suggest a Bronze Age origin, possibly functioning as a wedge tomb. However, specialists have noted that the architectural design differs from other known Bronze Age burial sites recorded across Ireland.

Because a significant portion of the structure remains beneath the ground surface, state heritage authorities require further detailed archaeological investigation to determine the exact age and nature of the site. To protect the integrity of the archaeological remains and prevent unauthorised disturbance, the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland have withheld the precise location of the discovery.