Storm damage leads to Early Medieval discovery at Offaly bog

Human remains dating to the early medieval period have been uncovered at the monastic site of Lemanaghan Bog after Storm Eowyn caused damage to the site in January 2025.

On January 24, 2025, four mature trees were felled within the enclosure surrounding St Mella’s Cell, exposing previously unknown human burials in the disturbed soil.

Radiocarbon dating has confirmed that the remains date from between the 7th and 10th centuries AD, with some burials placed within decades of the death of St Manchán, founder of the Lemanaghan monastery in AD 664.

The discovery was reported by local residents and investigated by the Heritage Office of Offaly County Council in collaboration with the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland.

Archaeological excavation was carried out under licence by Irish Heritage Schools, led by Dr Denis Shine.

The excavation identified multiple individuals buried according to early Christian practice, aligned east–west.

Four disturbed articulated inhumations were recorded within tree root plates, with additional remains preserved in situ. Preliminary analysis indicates that adults and children are represented.

The enclosure around St Mella’s Cell was not previously known to have been used for burial. The findings confirm that burial formed part of activity at the Lemanaghan monastic complex during the early medieval period.

Further osteoarchaeological analysis is ongoing.