109 Infant Remains Recovered in Tuam as Forensic Teams Work to Identify Them

What can forensic science reveal decades after someone was buried and their identity was lost?

That question is at the centre of an ongoing forensic excavation at the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland. A further 10 sets of infant remains were recovered between July and September 2026, bringing the total number of human remains recovered from the site to 109. Evidence of coffins was found with all 10 sets.

The excavation is being conducted by the Office of the Director of Authorized Intervention (ODAIT) using forensic archaeological methods. The recovered remains are now being examined by forensic anthropologists at a dedicated forensic facility and mortuary near the excavation site.

Identification is another major part of the investigation. ODAIT has collected 74 DNA reference samples from potential relatives, with the samples being provided to Forensic Science Ireland for comparison.

The case demonstrates how forensic archaeology, anthropology and DNA analysis can work together to recover and potentially identify human remains many decades after death.

Forensic science is not only about solving recent crimes. It can also restore identities to people whose stories were lost for generations.