Megalithic tomb - unclassified

The National Monuments Service's description

Unlocated megalithic tomb possible based on 19th century description by Thomas Stanely who recorded that 'The 'giants bed in Kiltullagh, near the Ballykilmurry Racecourse appears to be a boulder - a limestone - and perhaps remains umoved since the ocean currents ebbed away from the esker ridge in which it is deepy rooted.. There is a hollow or 'bed' on the surface of the boulder, the incline of which is towards the west, and measures twelve feet in length. The northern side of this hollow appears as if quarried from the boulder, and rolled to one side; it is about eight feet long and three feet diameter. The southern side of the hollow is not so gross, and remains attached to its natural place on the rock. This 'bed' is three feet wide. A short distance from the 'bed' is a tumulus (OF016-006001-) in the meadow, which is fifteen yards in diameter, and is raised two or three feet above the level of the field. Three large stones (OF016-006002-) are placed in a line on its summit' (Stanley 1870-71, 28-9).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 23 May 2011