Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

Location

Co. Sligo

History

Carrowmore, situated at the centre of the Cuil Irra peninsula in County Sligo, is the second largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Europe and is among Ireland's oldest. In such a fantastic location, visitors to Carrowmore can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area as well as the magnificent archaeological finds. Archaeologists have found over 65 tombs, stone circles, passage graves and standing stones. The site is thought to be over 700 years older than the spectacular Newgrange, which was built in 3200BC. Most of the monuments are clustered about the large central cairn of Listoghil, with a number of sites trailing off to a dolmen to the north of Carrowmore. This monument has an intact stone circle and is considered to be the best preserved dolmen. Much of the destruction that has taken place at Carrowmore in the past has been due to clearance and road building. As a result, only twenty five monuments remain today. These are boulder circles, some with a central structure, some with a simple chamber and, in a few, the remains of a passage. Some researchers believe that the dolmen circles are a unique class of monument - early prototypes for the larger cairns such as Cairns Hill and Knocknarea.

Opening Times

Easter (30 March) - October Daily 10:00-17:15 Last admission 45 mins. before closing.

Visit Length

1hr

Admission

Adult EUR 2.00 Child EUR 0.70 Student EUR 1.00 Senior EUR 1.25 Family EUR 5.50 Group EUR 1.25

Information

Leaflets: Yes Guided Tours: Yes Audio Visual: Yes Exhibition: Yes

Facilities

Restaurant: Yes Car Park: Yes Coach Park: Yes Disabled Access: Yes