Knockavrogeen West, Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry : Investigation of unclassified megalithic tomb
In April 2021 the chance discovery of an unclassified megalithic tomb on the Dingle Peninsula was reported to the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland. Found during land reclamation works, one large capstone of the tomb had been displaced, exposing the interior of the monument. The National Monuments Service, DHLGH, procured the services of Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) to survey the tomb and to carry out limited archaeological excavations at the site to facilitate its preservation in situ. Working with DRA Consulting Engineers, the displaced capstone was safely reinstated. Samples taken from the tomb returned radiocarbon dates indicating use from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age (approx. 4000 years ago).
The Knockavrogeen West tomb is one of only a small number of megalithic tombs scientifically investigated to date in Co Kerry and the first on the Dingle Peninsula.
The National Monuments Service is grateful for swift action and cooperation of the landowner in reporting the discovery in addition to Tony Bartlett and his AMS team for their work on the project.
Video Production by Digimack Video Productions and narrated by Tony Bartlett for the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
