By Larry Deeney
ldeeney@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
03 December 2003

MORE than 500 skeletons are being analysed, following a ghoulish discovery near a Donegal resort popular with Ulster holidaymakers.

What is believed to be an ancient church and burial ground was uncovered during work on a new by-pass between Bundoran and Ballyshannon.

Archaeologists believe the site at Station Road, Ballyshannon, dates back to medieval times, possibly to the Norman invasion.

The ancient remains are now being analysed by experts from the company, Irish Archaeological Consultancy.

IAC are preparing a report before the remains are passed on to the National Museum of Ireland.

It is believed that another 100 skeletons are set to be excavated, in addition to the 500 already discovered.

The remains could be reinterred near the original site, or if they appear significant they could be retained by the National Museum for an extended period.

A spokesman for Donegal County Council said that along with the skeletons, what appeared to be part of a church and a set of rosary beads had been uncovered.

"If this is the case it will be interesting as it will mean that this is a proper burial site of which there is no record locally.

"Nationally the site would be fairly typical of a burial from this medieval period, but is quite significant for the Ballyshannon area as there is nothing in local historical records about it," he added.

The dig has not delayed work on the by-pass, which is expected to recommence on January 5.

Another interesting find along the route of the by-pass indicates possible stone age activity, but the discovery is not uncommon and should be dealt with quickly.