Megalithic tomb - unclassified

The National Monuments Service's description

On the shoulder of a SE facing slope overlooking the River Suir. There are two different descriptions of this monument from the mid-19th century. It was reported in 1849 as being 'twenty-five feet [7.62m] long, and ten or twelve [3.05m or 3.66m] wide . . . The grave was lined with huge flags, and at the head and foot were enormous stones about sixteen feet [4.88m] in height' and that it was opened c. 1790 when a 'gigantic skeleton, with a huge sword, much rust-eaten . . . [and] a helmet of uncommon size' were found (Moore 1849, 13). In 1852 it was described as 'consisting of a cist or cavity about eight feet [2.44m] long, three feet [91cm] deep, and three feet [91cm] wide. A pile of stone now occupies the “narrow bed” of the hero, which bears about one point north-east, and from the position of four upright stones still remaining, it appears to have been surrounded by a row of such stones disposed in circular order, and enclosing an area of about twelve feet [3.66m] in diameter.' (Cody 1852, 101). According to local information the monument was destroyed about thirty years ago [c. 1960s] in the course of land reclamation. The exact nature of this site is uncertain and it cannot be classified with certainty as a megalithic tomb.

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of upload: 12 May 2021

References

Moore, Rev. P. 1849-51 Giants' graves. No. I. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 1, 11-14.

Cody, P. 1852 Folk-lore. No. II. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 2, 97-102.