Carricknagat Megalithic Tombs
| Carricknagat | |
|---|---|
| Native name Irish: Tuamaí Meigiliteach Charraig na gCat | |
| Dermot & Grania's Bed and Giant's Grave | |
  Location of Carricknagat in Ireland | |
| Type | wedge-shaped gallery grave and dolmen |
| Location | Carricknagat, Ballygawley, County Sligo, Ireland |
| Elevation | 63 m (207 ft) |
| Built | c. 4000–2500 BC |
| Official name | Carricknagat |
| Reference no. | 277.01 |
Carricknagat Megalithic Tombs are megalithic tombs and a National Monument located in County Sligo, Ireland.[1]
Location
Carricknagat is located halfway between Ballygawley and Ballintogher, near a source of the Ballisodare River.[2]
History
Carricknagat tombs were built c. 4000–2500 BC, in the Neolithic.
The name means "the cats' stone" or "the pine martens' stone;" ancient monuments are often said to be haunted by wild animals, possibly representing the spirits of the dead.[3]
Description
West tomb
The tomb to the west, a wedge-shaped gallery grave (wedge tomb) called the Giant's Grave, is trapezoidal in plan with the inner end of a SSE-facing gallery (4 × 2.6 m) and is divided by jambs inset in the gallery walls, with a rear chamber 2 m (7 ft) long. The outer chamber is composed of side-stones, an upright stone and four three kerb-stones.[4]
East tomb
This tomb, a dolmen, is traditionally called Dermot & Grania's Bed.[5]
References
- ^ Killanin, Baron Michael Morris; Duignan, Michael V. (1 January 1989). "The Shell guide to Ireland". Gill and Macmillan – via Google Books.
- ^ Kearins, Nora. "Townlands".
- ^ Weir, Anthony (1 January 1980). "Early Ireland: a field guide". Blackstaff Press – via Google Books.
- ^ https://www.archaeology.ie/sites/default/files/media/pdf/Archaeology-RMP-Sligo-Manual-(1995)-0044.pdf
- ^ PIP. "CARRIGNAGAT COURT TOMB/MEGALITHIC MONUMENTS OF IRELAND.COM".