Baunogenasraid Burial Mound

Baunogenasraid Burial is a Neolithic Burial Mound used into the early Bronze Age. The central chamber, which was sealed with a capstone surrounded by cairn stones and mounds of sods of earth, was built from six boulders, five of granite and one of limestone. The limestone boulder was carefully chosen as a sealing stone. The granite uprights were wedged in such a way that the pressure they put on the neighbouring stone, ensured stability. The capstone, 1.45m by 1.06m, was set in position before the final granite upright was set, as the granite upright was found leaning against the capstone. This type of tomb is typically known as a Linkardstown tomb. The chamber itself is 1.45m by 1m, and the remains of human bone and pottery lay on the surface level within the chamber. Within this chamber, dating to the Neolithic period, was an almost complete skeleton of one adult male, approx. 1.8m tall. Two pottery pots and a pointed and polished animal bone were found with the Neolithic man.

In the Bronze Age, the Burial Mound was increased significantly, as archaeological excavations have shown. A secondary mound was built and, within 1m of the surface, the remains of at least eleven individuals were interred. The burials were in simple oval pits, with tree bark as a grave lining. Of the remains, five were cremated and six inhumed, with two burials of children. Grave goods such as bowls, flint scrapper, pots, and potsherds were also found. 

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014