Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

At the top of a W-facing slope, in pasture overlooking Maryfort Lough to SW and Castle Lough to S, with good views across an undulating landscape, although inhibited by forestry in foreground to W and N. Depicted and named ‘Cromlech’ on all OS historic mapping. A rectangular area (3.7m E-W; 2.2m N-S) defined by two in situ, prostrate orthostats to S and two opposing sidestones which have fallen flat, outwards along the W end of the N side. An in situ sidestone forms the E-end of the N side. Three quite steadfast, rounded boulders are located at the E end of the S side. The interior is raised (H 0.2m) above the external ground level. A narrow view of the other smaller stones is seen under the raised side of the capstone. The capstone (L 2.3m ESE-WNW; Wth 2.05m NNE-SSW; T 0.24m) has fallen downwards to N and is tilted with its N side just above (H 0.3m) external ground level and the S side tilted upwards covering the interior of the monument and much higher (H 1m) above external ground level. The two largest orthostats bearing the weight of the capstone on the N side, have fallen outwards and are lying flat under the displaced capstone in both cases. Other small earthfast boulders and rocks are located immediately around the monument to S, W and N. A field boundary (long axis N-S) and a large oak tree directly abut the monument to E and it is likely that the lateral roots penetrate the monument. A thorn tree grows out of the exterior of the monument at S.

The following items have been uploaded:
CL027-035----_01.pdf Details from Ruaidhrí de Valera and Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume I. County Clare. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1961)

CL027-035----_01.jpg From N. General view of megalithic structure.
CL027-035----_02.jpg From W. General view of megalithic structure.
CL027-035----_03.jpg From S. General view of megalithic structure.
CL027-035----_04.jgp From SW. General context view of megalithic structure.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney, Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly

Date of upload: 11 December 2018

References

Westropp, T.J. 1902-4 The cists, dolmens, and pillars in the eastern half of the county of Clare. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 24C, 107-131.