Quote "The Irish Neolithic has just gotten a new star find... an amethyst pendant bead. Well done to Hugh and Sue at our Maree excavation!" NUIG on FB, 23rd July 2026. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057073796068 gives much much detail. This discovery shows the complexity of culture in Ireland's first farming communities. The Maree site features a court tomb, a burial monument with an open area where rituals or ceremonial activities took place, and a portal tomb, a stone-built burial chamber marked by a large capstone.
A small amethyst pendant found in the newly discovered portal tomb on Thursday is said to be unlike anything else discovered at similar sites across Ireland.
The excavation is being carried out by researchers and students from University of Galway, alongside community volunteers, and hosted by the local landowners, the Burke family. Led by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, the excavation in the Maree area of Co Galway has revealed two different types of megalithic tombs dating back almost 6,000 years.The excavation uncovered stone tools, prehistoric pottery and cremated bone, including a small amethyst pendant from the portal tomb. While quartz beads are known from a few megalithic sites, nothing like this amethyst pendant is known from anywhere in Ireland.
More info at
https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/archaeologists-uncover-rare-neolithic-tombs-in-maree-oranmore-226521
The lady who found this piece of jewelry is called Sue. The whole team doing the excavation are all excited and Sue is 'just' another archaeologist... Her second name is hidden respecting the team... this is standard practice during discoveries at a dig.
https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/archaeologists-uncover-rare-neolithic-tombs-in-maree-oranmore-226521
The lady who found this piece of jewelry is called Sue. The whole team doing the excavation are all excited and Sue is 'just' another archaeologist... Her second name is hidden respecting the team... this is standard practice during discoveries at a dig.
The image above is of Quartz beads found at ancient temples in Ireland. It is the toughest stone in the land. The unanswered question is how did the Irish stone age people cut spiral / vortex groves and neat countersunk holes for turning such rocks into jewels? Only a harder stone can cut quartz...
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