Trinity lays to rest human remains found during E3 works
Posted on: 27 February 2025
“These remains, now entrusted to our care, are the remnants of real people, each with their own stories, who lived at a time when the study of anatomy was in its infancy."
Trinity College Dublin has laid to rest human remains that were uncovered during building works on its city-centre campus.
A ceremony took place at Glasnevin Cemetery on 18 February 2025 to mark the burial of the remains, which were uncovered during the excavation of the site for the new E3 Learning Foundry building.
Trinity's Chaplain Dr. Alan Edmond O’Sullivan presided over the ceremony (pictured below) which was attended by staff from the Trinity School of Medicine and others who worked to excavate and analyse the remains, which are now in five burial plots, at the St. Paul’s section of the cemetery.
An osteological analysis of the remains concluded that all came from dissected anatomy cadavers. It appears probable that they relate to activity associated with Trinity's 19th century medical school, which was established at the excavation location in 1825. It is possible that some of the remains derived from 18th century medical practices associated with the old medical school, which opened at the site of the current Eavan Boland Library in 1711.
Dr Denis Barry, Head of the Anatomy discipline at Trinity, told the group: “These remains, now entrusted to our care, are the remnants of real people, each with their own stories, who lived at a time when the study of anatomy was in its infancy.
“We cannot know the identities of these individuals or the circumstances that brought them here. Many of them likely came from the most vulnerable sections of society, perhaps marginalised, perhaps forgotten.
“Yet, through their remains and teachings, generations of medical students have learned the intricacies of the human body and countless lives have been saved. Now we remember the humanity behind the science and, as we lay these bones to rest, we do so with respect and gratitude and a promise to remember their contribution.”
The burial was organised by Siobhan Ward, Chief Technical Officer at the Anatomy Museum at Trinity, assisted by the Anatomy Technical Team, Dublin Cemeteries Trust, Irish Archaeological Consultancy and Corrigan& Sons Funeral Directors.
Plaques will be erected at the cemetery and at the E3 Learning Foundry in memory of the individuals whose remains have been buried.
Media Contact:
Catherine O’Mahony | Media Relations | catherine.omahony@tcd.ie