Ancient Remains Found Near Bellaghy: Young Woman

In 2023, the remains of a young woman, now called the 'Ballymacombs More Woman', were discovered in a bog near Bellaghy, Northern Ireland, dating back over 2,000 years to the Iron Age. Initially believed to be a teenage boy, further analysis revealed the remains to be of a female aged 17 to 22, standing approximately 5'6" tall. The remains are significant due to the rarity of finding female bog bodies from this period, as most are male. Her death was violent, involving throat slashing and decapitation, which aligns with ritualistic sacrifice patterns seen across Iron Age Europe. A piece of woven plant-based fabric was found alongside her, suggesting cultural or ritual associations. This discovery, led by National Museums Northern Ireland, has been hailed as one of the most important archaeological findings in Ireland.