Kilcrea Friary: Rogue treasure hunters with metal detectors disturb human remains

Metal detectors and shovels used during latest in spate of illegal excavations at protected sites in Co Cork

Kilcrea Friary

Investigations are under way after rogue treasure hunters with metal detectors and shovels disturbed human remains during one of a spate of recent illegal excavations at protected national monument sites.

Experts from the National Museum of Ireland, the National Monuments Service, and the Office of Public Works (OPW) spent Thursday assessing the damage to Ireland's archaeological heritage following the most recent incident involving illegal metal-detector use at Kilcrea Friary in Ovens, west of Cork city.