Ancient skeletons discovered in north Dublin

Workers laying pipes in Rush, north Dublin, have uncovered a previously unrecorded ancient burial ground.

Skeletal remains have been uncovered at the site of the largest energy project in the country.

Several skulls and bones were spotted on a strip of land near Rogerstown estuary by contractors working for energy company EirGrid. A 1.5 metre deep trench had been dug on the farmland, exposing the bones for the first time.

Local historians believe the human remains could date back to the 9th century and belong to Vikings.

It’s now expected that a full archaeological survey will be carried out in order to discover the full extent of the burial ground.

It’s not yet clear how many bodies were buried there.

Pipe laying work is continuing, although a spokeswoman for EirGrid said the section of land has been cordoned off and was being protected from heavy rainfall until examinations can be completed.

“A previously unrecorded burial ground has been located on private land in Rush earlier this week,” she said.

“It wasn’t marked up on any ordnance survey maps.”