Site Type: Passage Tomb
Irish Grid Ref: N5861777577
Location: Link to Bing Maps
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| The rock-art within the passage is illuminated by the rising sun on the Equinox |
Description:
This passage tomb is described on Archaeology.ie as follows;
"This, the principal tomb on Slieve na Calliaghe hill, was excavated by Conwell; the monument has been restored by the Office of Public Works. A kerbed cairn, 35m in diam., contains a cruciform passage-tomb opening to SE. Decoration occurs on nineteen orthostats, two sill stones, eight roof stones, one kerb stone, and on one other lost fragment. (Herity 1974, 242; Shee 1981, 214-17)"
Martin Brennan and his team (including Jack Roberts) are credited with identifying this alignment during their research in the early 1980s. On the morning of the spring & autumn equinoxes the sun shines into the chamber illuminating the rock-art within. This spectacle now attracts a large crowd each year. Normally for a day either side of the equinox the OPW opens the gate to allow access. However it is possible to obtain a key for the monument year round from the Loughcrew House & Gardens. They are however approximately 1-2 kms away. A deposit is required and if lucky you may have the place to yourself.
Links to photographs;
Pictures of the sun shining into the chamber by Anthony Murphy of www.mythicalireland.com
Links for further information;
More information on Cairn T at www.mythicalireland.com
