Cist

The National Monuments Service's description

Two short cists, with possible third, visible in core of multiple cist cairn (LH021-035----). Cist 1 (LH021-035001-) was excavated in 2001 (Excavation Licence No. 01E0048) as a result of the contents being exposed. Prior to excavation it was visible in the N face of the cairn where the cairn has been cut back by agricultural activity. It consisted of a capstone (L 1.5m, Wth 0.8m, T 0.26m) and two visible side stones. Excavation showed that this cist had been cut into the original cairn and had removed some of the kerbstones that surrounded the rest of the cairn. The contents of the cist had been robbed prior to excavation and only a few fragments of human bone were recovered during excavation. Following excavation the cist and cairn were reinstated. (Murphy, Donald 2003, 268)
The capstone of Cist 2 (LH021-035002-) is visible, flush with the cairn surface, in the E quadrant. This capstone (L 1m, Wth 0.8m, T 0.22m) is loose and the interior of the cist is visible at one corner. In the centre of the cairn a corner of a large stone is visible; this may be the capstone of a third cist (LH021-035003-).

The above description is derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 17 July 2012

Revised by: Claire Breen