Cabragh Wedge tomb Known locally as the giant's grave, this well preserved national monument is a fine example of a wedge tomb. It is comprised of a long gallery divided into two chambers by a septal slab, the gallery tapers to the east, hence the term wedge. The chambers were covered by the large displaced roofstones, seen jutting up in the image below. Outer walling also survives on the sides and back of the gallery. Twelve stones of the south wall survive on the south side, which is the best preserved, and ten survive on the north side. There is evidence of a portico at the front or west of the tomb. There are many wedge tombs to be found in Ireland especially around Co Clare and Co Sligo and these are usually dated as Bronze Age. Not to far from this site are another few excellent examples of this type of monument. Other examples of wedge tombs on this site include the megalithic monuments at Lough Gur, Rathfranpark and Labbacallee in Cork.
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Outer walling on the south side |
View from the road |
The displaced roofstones with Knocknashee in the background |
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Location: About two miles west of the village of Coolaney in Sligo. Take the Cappagh road from the village, drive straight on, take a right at the sharp bend going left. approx 500m on your left is a farmhouse the tomb is two fields down on the left. Discovery Map 25: G 5605 2514. Last visit Sept 2003 Longitude: 8° 40' 23" W Latitude: 54° 10' 24" N Photos: Jim Dempsey. |
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