Cloghagalla

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

The remains of a wedge tomb not in State Care. It consists of an arrangement of large and small weathered stones, some upright, some recumbent forming the plan of a wedge tomb with gallery that would have been the burial place of an individual. The entrance to the tomb faces approximately S W. The plan for of the outer stones traces a “U” shape.

The tomb is by the side of the Boviel Road as it climbs steeply in the direction of Benbradagh mountain and about 30 metres within a field from the road verge about the 900 contour. Although there are enclosed fields around, the character is moorland.

Historical information

The tomb is described thus in The Archaeology of Ulster “A good example of an Ulster wedge tomb can be seen at Cloghnagalla, Boviel, Co Londonderry. Here we find the classic gallery which is divided in front by several stones that form an antechamber. There are also kerb stones that define the outer boundary of the tomb. Associated with the tomb were remains of late Neolithic Sandhills ware and tools such as flint scrapers and a polished stone axe. The burial consists of the cremated remains of one individual who was identified as an adult female ………. This tomb is rather unusual in that it offers clear evidence of having being been constructed in the Neolithic period”.

Historical Monument No. Co Londonderry 31:3

References

Primary Sources
1. O.S. map 1st Edition Co Londonderry sh. 25
2. O.S. Memoirs of Ireland – Parishes of Co Londonderry IV 1824, 1833-5
Ed. Angélique Day and Patrick McWilliams (Q.U.B. 1992) p. 41

Secondary Sources
1. J P Mallory & T E Mc Neill – The Archaeology of Ulster p. 70, 71

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Well preserved remains of a Wedge Tomb which are not plentiful in the N W of Ireland being more common in S and W of the island. This one is easily appreciated being in a field grazed by sheep and not covered with shrubs and bracken.