Human skull found at recently opened Ulster Canal

"Investigations ongoing" say gardaí.

The remains of a human skull, historical in nature, have been discovered by a member of the public by the bands of the recently opened Ulster Canal in Clones.

The discovery was made over the weekend, and “investigations are ongoing” confirmed gardaí.

Found by Seány McCleary from Glaslough, who has a background studying archaeology.

He immediately alerted the authorities, the skull will be sent for detailed examination by a forensic anthropologist.

In a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: “Gardai were alerted to historical human remains that were located at the Ulster Canal in Clones, Co Monaghan on the evening of Sunday, July 14 at approximately 5pm. Gardai attended the scene and located a human skull on the embankment.”

The site where the skull was found forms part of a recently completed €20 million project to restore the stretch of canal between Clonfad and Clones.

Phase 2 of the cross-border project was officially opened last month.

The Ulster Canal redevelopment is being managed by Waterways Ireland and is being carried out in three phases.

Phase 1, facilitating boat travel between Lough Erne and Castle Saunderson, was completed in 2020, and Phase 3, when complete, will link phases 1 and 2, and fully reopen the waterway from Clones to Lough Erne.