Cist, Baile Na Mban, Co. Donegal

Cist, Baile Na Mban, Co. Donegal

In the marshy sloping pastures of Baile Na Mban, County Donegal, lies a site where archaeological memory and local tradition intersect.

Cist, Baile Na Mban, Co. Donegal

Around 75 years ago, a stone cist was discovered here; a simple burial chamber typical of prehistoric Ireland. Though nothing remains visible on the surface today, the accounts of those who saw it paint a picture of a modest yet intriguing structure.

The cist’s construction details remain somewhat contested amongst local sources. Some recall the side walls being built from dry stone, whilst others insist they were made from stone slabs. What seems certain is that the structure lacked end stones and was covered by a substantial capstone measuring approximately 6 feet by 3 feet. This type of burial chamber, common throughout Ireland from the Bronze Age onwards, would have served as a final resting place for members of the ancient community who once inhabited this corner of Donegal.



Unfortunately, no artefacts or human remains were recorded from the cist when it was found, leaving its exact age and cultural context a mystery. The location itself, set on marshy, sloping ground, might seem an unusual choice for a burial site by modern standards, but such placements often held significance for prehistoric peoples, perhaps relating to beliefs about boundaries between worlds or connections to water sources. The site’s documentation comes from the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, compiled in 1983, which continues to serve as an invaluable record of the county’s rich archaeological heritage.

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Baile Na Mban, Co. Donegal
54.82158069, -8.00060685
54.82158069,-8.00060685
Baile Na Mban 
Burial Sites 

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