Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

New site identified by John Cronin & Associates (JCA) under Licence No. 16E0127 prior to wind farm development in Barnastooka, Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry by ESB Wind Development Ltd. Located on a level terrace in rough boggy pasture, mid-slope on the north-western side of upper reaches of a valley which contains a tributary of the Roughty River, the remains of a wedge-shaped gallery aligned east to west. Most prominent upstanding remains are those of the sidestones of the chamber along the northern side of the tomb (three sidestones upstanding, largest to west), evidence of double walling with internal packing along northern side. Southern sidestones (excluding one small upstanding sidestone near entrance) have collapsed inwards under the weight of two large capstones. At entrance to gallery on west side, two upright stones which lean inwards towards each other (southern stone leaning on northern stone) may be the remains of a portico. A vertical slab, set at surface level on its long axis and located immediately behind the possible portico, may be a septal stone, separates the entrance from the main chamber. Maximum dimensions of upstanding remains measure 4.68m in length (E-W), 2.40m in width (N-S), 1.32m in height. Maximum length of feature as measured from eastern end of largest collapsed roofstone (L. 2.78m E-W, W. 2.14m N-S, T 0.2m) which lies off-centre to southeast is 5.05m. Details on eastern and south-eastern sides masked by the collapsed large roofstone. The smaller probable roofstone (also collapsed but in a more central position) is perforated by two 50mm diameter holes, spaced 0.7m apart, partial perforation attempt also evident immediately east of western hole. Evidence of outer cairn surrounding the chamber, particularly at north and west sides, probable kerbing stones evident 1.9m north of northern upstanding sidestones of chamber. Burial cairn (NICH22) is located c.100m downslope to the east.

See attached photograph courtesy John Cronin.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by John Cronin

Date of upload: 7 April 2022

References

Cronin, J. et. al. 2018 Grousemount Wind Farm, Kilgarvan, County Kerry Preliminary Final Archaeological Report. Excavation Licence: 16E0127. Prepared by: David Murphy and Dr. Eugene Costello, John Cronin & Associates On behalf of ESB Wind Development Ltd. Unpublished report.