Archaeological excavations along the Foynes to Limerick (including Adare Bypass) Road Project have uncovered striking evidence of life and death in early medieval Ireland.

Work at a circular ditched enclosure in Croagh, Co Limerick, paints a more complex picture than the familiar portrayal of an 'Island of Saints and Scholars', revealing a community vulnerable to disease, accident and violence.

Excavation Director Seán Tiffin from Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS), who led the Croagh dig, said: "Even before we had fully exposed the site here, we were told that the field was known as 'the field of blood', and so we were on high alert even before the first human bones were encountered”. Subsequently, dozens of burials, laid out in a Christian style, were encountered, one of which was adorned with a beautiful example of early medieval metalwork in the form of a small, but carefully crafted buckle."

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Initial analysis by Project Osteoarchaeologist Dr Mara Tesorieri identified numerous wounds on some individuals, including evidence of decapitation, consistent with a period when conflict over land and cattle was commonplace. There was also poignant testimony to non-violent loss, such as a grave containing a woman and child laid together with their heads inclined towards one another. Radiocarbon dating shows most burials fall in the 6th–7th centuries, with further study of the remains under way.

Fintan Walsh, Excavation Manager for AMS, commented: "This was only one of the 150 sites found on the project, all of which were fascinating in their own right. These sites included prehistoric settlements, cooking sites and burials; medieval forts and burial grounds; as well as lime and brick making kilns of our more recent past, and World War II ('Emergency') era concrete pillboxes. Built heritage surveys recorded vernacular houses, a quay keeper's cottage, railway structures and historic farm buildings too."

Community engagement has been central to the works, with local schools and historical societies visiting digs to see archaeology in action and handle finds. The World War II pillboxes have featured in talks nationwide, and the team led a site tour during Heritage Week 2025.

Fieldwork is now drawing to a close, with all archaeological excavations finished ahead of construction, including prioritised works on the Adare Bypass to support delivery in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup. AMS is compiling detailed reports for publication via TII’s Digital Heritage Collections within the Digital Repository of Ireland.