[ 53 1 



in Ireland, whofe colour, texture and ornaments are fimilar to 

 this under confideration. From Keating, "Ware and other Irifli 

 antiquaries, we learn that burning was exchanged for burying in. 

 this ifland, by Eochadh Aireamh, who according to Keating was 

 brother to Eochaidh Feidhlioch, and reigned A. M. 3952, or about 

 fourteen years before the Chriflian sera ; — but Keating's dates are 

 generally his own. 



The Irifli long retained an attachment to their ancient cul^ 

 toms and pagan fuperftitions, efpecially in the modes of inter- 

 ment; and the cuftom of burying in confecrated ground was 

 not univerfal in Ireland In the twelfth century, on the arrival of 

 the Englifh, as we find it enjoined in the council of Cafhel, held 

 in 1 1 72, mentioned by Cambrenfis. From thefe circumftances 

 we may reafonably infer, that the monument under confidera- 

 tion may be either of Irilh or Danifh origin ; if of the former, 

 it is probably not later than tlie feventh century. In thofe 

 fpecies of fepulchres which have been opened In which fkeletons 

 have been found, the body was laid at length on the back, 

 agreeable to the aflertions of the Irifli antiquaries, who relate 

 that Eochadh Aireamh ordered that the grave fliould be feven 

 feet long and three deep, the corpfe ftretched on its back, with a 

 ftone over it, and the name of the perfon written thereon. 

 This is the only one yet difcovered where the body was placed 

 in a fitting poflure ; indeed a fliort time fince fome fmall earthen 

 tumulii were opened on the Curragh of Kildare, under which 

 Ikeletons were foimd ftanding upright on their feet, and in their 

 hands, or near them, fpears with iron heads. The cuftom of 

 placing their dead ered was general among all the northern na- 

 tions. 



