Tests to determine era of recovered Tuam infant remains

Tests to Determine Era of Recovered Tuam Infant Remains

Infant remains have been uncovered at the site of the former mother-and-baby home in Tuam, County Galway, during ongoing excavation efforts. It remains unclear if these bones date back to the operation period of the institution, from 1925 to 1961.

Radiocarbon dating is currently underway to establish the "era of origin" for seven sets of remains recently found at the site. This analysis is expected to take several months to complete.

Additional Discoveries and Site History

In its latest update, the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention in Tuam (ODAIT) reported discovering two more sets of remains at a different location. These remains date back to when the site functioned as a workhouse, from the mid-19th to the early 20th century.

The ODAIT has previously warned that the site's diverse uses over the past 200 years add complexity to the excavation process.

The site has served various roles, including a workhouse, military barracks, and mother-and-baby home.
The infant bones were found near an underground vaulted structure shown on workhouse plans.
This area is separate from other underground chambers where significant quantities of human remains have been located but not yet exhumed.
The entire site is divided into sections for a careful archaeological investigation.

Author's summary: The excavation at Tuam reveals complex, multi-era human remains, with radiocarbon testing underway to clarify the origins of infant bones found on the historically varied site.

RTÉ Ireland — 2025-11-07

Tests to Determine Era of Recovered Tuam Infant Remains

Additional Discoveries and Site History

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