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A most unusual site, not sure if the dolmen was within the retaining wall or originally sat atop it as in some Swedish sites
Given how well known this site is there was little evidence of any visitors. Situated among rich farmland, huge well tendered fields, wealthy farmers and huge modern expensive machinery working the fields, in fact a huge outdoor factory showcasing all that the EU has bought to this country.
Poor picture (cheap telephoto lens), however, demonstrates the scale of this long barrow with the dolmen surrounded by retaining stones
Occupying a commanding position over the surrounding countryside even the moles like it
Typical stone ship at Lindholm, although of a much later time period than our usual interest still a very impressive site
Lovely contrasting colours mixed with the grass left a peaceful memory despite the road, indeed, hardly a car past the whole time I was there.
Maintaining guard alongside the main road, 3 burial chambers with surrounding kerbs ignoring traffic and modern farming and will probably outlast all
I can see from the field notes that this site does get visitors, however, clearly not many. Wonderful setting, farm hand working on fence opened up the gate for me and told me the history (nonsense actually but very entertaining). Loved it here, trees slowly filling in the gaps between stones seem to add to it and I hope they are not cut back
An attempt to show the henge as well as the stone circle, great site, well cared for, didn’t have the appearance of an overly visited site. Some interesting markings in two of the stones scattered around the site
Well, this certainly was a monster. The capstone is said to weigh between 130 and 150 tons. How did they manoeuvre this one into place
The fields of limestone form a desolate landscape overshadowing the Poulnarbrone itself
Apparently the most photographed megalith in Ireland. Empty roads, barren landscape then a car park almost full, coaches, jewellery sellers, campers, where did they all appear from
And finally Queen Maeve reveals herself. Apparently this site has never been excavated, personally hope it stays that way, its a magical place at the moment and if they find nothing what does it become?
Exciting part of the ‘new walk’ as it climbs up through the trees, more strenuous than it looks but great fun
Setting off from the beach at Strandhill to walk up Knocknarea. Looked a bit ominous from here, however, I was up and down within 3 hours.
Apologies, previous photo was not tomb 1!, I believe this one is, as you can see a beautiful day for daydreaming, no wonder I got mixed up.
Carrowmore, although I was disappointed with the sterile manicured nature of the site I couldn’t deny the location was simply stunning with wonderful mountain backdrop
Carrowmore Tomb 7, with Knocknarea in the background and Queen Maeve’s Grave at the top.
The famous light box on Cairn G. Open access to these tombs, no gate or key keeper to worry about, just scratched knees.
Cairn D, leading to C. They say Ireland is a magical place, it certainly felt that way up here
Cairn C guarded by a solitary wind resistant tree. Once again worth a detour off the main track, however, watch out for the sink hole.
Looking down from Cairn F into the valley below, keeping a lookout to protect what I had decided was to be ‘my mountain’ for evermore
Bit of a scramble to get to Cairn E and didn’t appear to be visited that often, however, very much worth the detour of the main track leading to K & H
The track into Carrowkeel with Cairn B high on the hillside on a beautiful hazy morning.
The grand entrance to Newgrange, I believe Victoria Beckham was the design consultant and built by Barratt
The Hag’s (or witch) chair. I found a very similar stone on Carnbane west which (no pun) I will post if I took a photo
