Workmen unearth 800-year-old burial site

Workmen unearthed a burial site near Limerick’s King John’s Castle which may date to the 13th century.

Three human skulls were among the disarticulated bone parts discovered just off Nicholas Street and the site was immediately sealed off and the National Museum informed.

Work was being done on a new entrance to the bank of the Shannon from Nicholas Street when the discovery was made at around lunchtime.

Archaeologist Frank Coyne, whose company, Aegis, was commissioned to keep a watching brief on the site, said the area had been cordoned off as is policy in these circumstances.

He said: “We do not want to disturb what has been found, until we carry out a more thorough examination of the area. There was a graveyard near the old St Nicholas Church, which was nearby, and a find such as this in this location would not be surprising.

“There were also animal bones.

“We have called in the National Museum and the gardaí as is standard practice and the location is being protected, as there may be more human remains here.

“We have an osteoarchaeologist on site to assess the situation and to determine if the bones are those of children or adults. The find will add to the story of Limerick. It is like working on a jigsaw.”

Another Aegis archaeologist, Tracy Collins, said the remains could date back to the 13th century.

She said: “Another possibility is the burial site is linked to the Widows Alms Houses which stood nearby and where women were given refuge by local charitable donations in the 19th century.”

John Costelloe, who runs an antique business nearby said: “It would be great if it turned out to be another Wood Quay and put Nicholas Street on the international map. That would be great for business and internationalise the whole area.”