Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

In improved pasture, on a low rise of rock outcrop with reasonable views. The monument generally exists as described by De Valera and Ó Nualláin (1961, 76, No. 100). Depicted and named as ‘Giant’s Grave’ on 1921 edition OS 6-inch map. A rectangular area (2.2m NE-SW; 1.3m NW-SE) defined by an orthostat on three sides. The orthostat to SE (L 1.8m; T 0.3m; int. H 1.12m; ext. H 0.8m) and the orthostat to SW (L 1.9m; T 0.17m; int. H 1.05m; ext. H 0.8m) are of similar dimensions. A third, substantial orthostat (L 2.7m; T 0.27m; int. H 1.05m; ext. H 0.85m) defines the NW side of the monument. A bullaun stone (CL035-163----) partially closes the opening to NE, leaving a small gap (Wth 0.52m) at N. According to local information, this boulder previously lay adjacent to NE of the monument and was moved here to close the interior from animals. It may have come from a holy well (CL035-001----) 350m to the N. The NW and SE sidestones have tilted to SE under the weight of the substantial capstone (2.48m NE-SW; 2.45m NW-SE; T 0.4m) which is also tilting very slightly to SE. An outer orthostat (L 1.05m; T 0.2m; H 0.87m) is parallel to the main weight-bearing one and leans outwards at the NE end of the SE side; a smaller orthostat is adjacent, at the SW end and an even smaller example is located between the two. The space between the inner, weight-bearing orthosat and the three outer examples on the SE side, is filled with a compact earthen material and loose stones. The single orthostat forming the SW side does not appear to bear any weight of the capstone; a number of small stones are banked up against the exterior of this side. A pair of outer upright orthostats are located c. 0.72m from the main weight-bearing example forming the NW side. An orthostat (1.1m; T 0.37m; H 0.62m) extends (long-axis NE-SW) from the W-corner and according to De Valera and Ó Nualláin (ibid.) may be the sidestone of a portico. Two substantial slabs (L 2.0m; Wth 0.9m; T 0.31m) lie flat, adjacent to NW, with two smaller slabs further to NE, which appear to have previously formed part of the monument. The interior is generally level and contains occasional loose stones. According to De Valera and Ó Nualláin (ibid.), the associated mound (13.5m E-W; 7.5m N-S) is roughly circular in plan. A tree-lined field boundary is c. 1.8m to NNW and truncates the mound.

The following items are uploaded:

CL035-002----_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)
CL035-002----_01.jpg View of NE side showing bullaun stone (CL035-163----) blocking the opening.
CL035-002----_02.jpg View from NW.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Alison McQueen

Date of upload: 25 October 2017

References

De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961 Survey of the megalithic tombs of Ireland, vol. i, County Clare. Dublin. Stationery Office.