Rúaidhri De Valera

Rúaidhri De Valera (1916 -1978) was an Irish archaeologist most known for his work on the megalithic tombs of his country.

He took a degree in Celtic Studies from University College Dublin in 1939 before serving briefly in the Irish Army and then lecturing at the National University of Ireland at Maynooth until 1943. He then studied for an MA in archaeology, writing his thesis on the prehistoric tombs of County Clare.

In 1947, he became the Archaeological Officer for Ordnance Survey Ireland which permitted him to develop the Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland project. He went on write significant papers on Irish prehistory which contributed to his doctorate, awarded in 1954.

In 1957, he was appointed Chair of Celtic Archaeology at University College Dublin where he worked to enlarge the department whilst continuing to publish on Irish chamber tombs, especially the Court cairns which he proposed first developed in the west of the country.

He later excavated at the Mound of the Hostages at Tara but died suddenly in October 1978 while visiting the Fermanagh County Museum.