Gardaí are searching for a weapon believed to have been used in the killing of Philip Finnegan.
The remains of the 24-year-old were located on Friday night in Rahin Woods in County Kildare by a member of the public out walking a dog.
Gardaí have confirmed that a murder investigation is underway following the discovery.
Philip had been missing since early August and it is feared he was killed amid an ongoing rise in gangland violence in Dublin.
Irish Independent and Herald journalist Conor Feehan says an attempt was made to conceal Philip's remains.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Conor explained: "Philip Finnegan would have been an associate of different criminal elements in the south inner city.
"There were attempts made to cover his body - it seems he was killed at the site.
"While gardaí aren't releasing details of any post mortem, it is understood that he was stabbed to death. Gardaí are now hunting for a weapon," he added.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to contact Leixlip Garda Station 01-666-7800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111, or any Garda station.
