Excavation efforts at the site of a former mother and baby home in western Ireland have yielded the remains of an additional 36 infants. This latest phase of the ongoing investigation in Tuam, County Galway, raises the total number of infant remains discovered to 69.
The Irish government initiated this excavation after considerable public outcry following revelations regarding the burial of infants and young children in unmarked mass graves. The full extent of the tragedy came to light in 2014 when amateur historian Catherine Corless documented that 796 children had died while residents of the home, yet no formal burial records existed for them.
The facility, which provided shelter for unmarried mothers and their children, operated for 36 years, from 1925 to 1961. It was managed by the Bon Secours Sisters, an order of Catholic nuns. During their administration, a significant number of children under their care succumbed to malnutrition and various illnesses.
The Bon Secours Sisters have since issued an apology, acknowledging that children at the Tuam home were “buried in a disrespectful and unacceptable way.”
Details of Infant Burials Emerge
Following a preliminary dig in 2017, which confirmed the presence of a large, unmarked grave, the government ordered a comprehensive forensic excavation of the site. This extensive operation commenced last summer, with the excavation team providing updates on their findings bi-monthly.
In their most recent report, the team indicated that the excavation results suggest the infants discovered were “buried in coffins which have since decayed.” The findings describe the majority of these coffins as single-shouldered, decorated with mounts, and having been painted white.
The report noted that in a limited number of instances, “two or three individuals were buried in the same coffin.” These exhumed remains are being processed with the hope of identification through DNA analysis, enabling them to be returned to their families for proper burial.
DNA Sample Collection Continues
The current update represents the sixth release of information since the excavation began and covers the period from January 29 to March 31, 2026. During this timeframe, an additional five DNA samples were collected from individuals who believe they may have relatives interred at the site.
This brings the cumulative total of submitted DNA samples to 33. The excavation team has reiterated its appeal for anyone who suspects a family member might be buried at the Tuam site to come forward and contact them.