Gardaí investigate discovery of historical human remains at Limerick cemetery

The remains, believed to date to the mid-19th century, may have been moved accidentally during excavation work at another cemetery

The remains, including a nearly intact skull and bone fragments, were removed for examination. Picture: Dan Linehan.

Gardaí are investigating after human remains were discovered at a Limerick cemetery, around two kilometres from where they are believed to have originally been buried.

The remains, which are believed to be historical, were discovered by a visitor to Mount St Oliver Cemetery in Crossagalla on September 30.

They included a nearly intact skull and bone fragments, which were removed for examination.

The discovery is not believed to be suspicious or linked to any ongoing Garda investigation.

It is believed the remains may have been accidentally removed during excavation work at another cemetery before being transported with soil and rubble to Mount St Oliver.

Limerick City and County Council has been assisting gardaí with their inquiries.

Human remains believed to date back to 19th century 

The remains are thought to date back to the mid-19th century and are believed to have originated from Mount St Lawrence Cemetery, which opened in 1849 and is located near Mount St Oliver.

A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that inquiries were ongoing.

“Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances following the discovery of skeletal remains at a cemetery in Limerick city on Wednesday 30th September 2026,” they said.