The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Fieldnotes by megaman

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Creggandevesky (Court Tomb)

The best way to visit this tomb is from the west, drive north passing by Lough Mallon and take the next left, then turn left again and follow the road down to the very end, the tomb can be seen in the field to your left, go through the gate and up the field, very easy, no cows, no bog, no Bullshit.

Reanascreena (Stone Circle)

The best way to get to Reanascreena is to follow Cian's directions below, but when you get to the gate the farm on your right is the owner of the long field that Harv describes below, be polite and ask, I found them to be very helpful. Access is very easy, just a long walk and a duck under a few electric fences, There are bulls in the fields to the right of the long field, but really there is no need to approach from the east.

Cashel (Court Tomb)

Travelling from Breastagh Ogham stone to Kilcummin Holy Well I noticed a megalithic tomb at Cashel marked on the OS map. I could not really confirm what type of megalithic structure it was, as most of it looked like field clearance, but figured it must have been a Court Tomb. A lot of the stones were shaped but they seemed too geometric and most of the stones appeared to be too uniform in thickness. I now know it is indeed a Court Tomb thanks to Fourwinds.

Kilcummin Holy Well (Sacred Well)

I was around the Killala Bay area over the easter period and paid a visit to Kilcummin holy well as I had read somewhere there were two standing stones marking the spot where St Cumin is said to be buried, the well is actually in Ballinlena next to Kilcummin. I was delighted to find the well was in a small enclosure along with two small cairns that are now part of a christian pilgrimage. This is similar to Glencolmcille in Donegal where some of the stations of the pilgrimage are actually megalithic sites. The two standing stones are in the next field about thirty metres South of the Holy Well.

Caherdooneerish (Stone Fort / Dun)

I had first seen a photo of Caherdooneerish stone fort on Anthony Weirs wonderful web site, as I was visiting the Burren area recently and I decided to view it myself. Situated around 200 metres above Black Head the fort is not visible from the road, the owner of the B&B I stayed in was a keen walker and gave me good directions. If travelling from Ballyvaughan, shortly after Black Head Lighthouse you will come to two gates one on each side of the road, as you go through the gate you will see a rough path the farmer has made, this leads to a green path about a 100 metres up circling the cliff, turn left onto the path and follow it till you come to a wall follow the wall up on the left hand side and this will bring you to this beautifully situated fort. Your efforts will be well rewarded by the views alone.

Srahwee (Wedge Tomb)

I first saw this tomb on Anthony Weirs wonderful site, and as I was in the area recently I had to pay a visit. This site is beautifully situated about six miles south of Louisburgh. From Croagh Patrick drive straight through Louisburg, at Killeen crossroads take a left, after 200yds the roads bends sharp left, about two miles down this road you will come to a fork in the road, the wedge tomb is situated between the fork. I am sorry I did not have some clippers with me as the tomb was beginning to get overgrown by brambles.

Kilmogue (Portal Tomb)

Kilmogue dolmen, known locally as' Leac an Scail ' stone of the warrior, this portal tomb has been constructed using a large capstone resting on two large portal-stones and a pillow stone resting on a backstone. The portal stones are around 14 ft high and the capstone reaches approx 18 ft. The entrance faces NE. This is one of the largest dolmens in Ireland and if you are in this area then Kilmogue dolmen is well worth a visit. This Dolmen is well signposted, but under the name Harristown Dolmen, about a kilometre from Harristown Crossroads you take a left down a country lane and the Portal tomb is hidden behind some bushes at the bottom of the laneway.

Knocknashee (Hillfort)

Knocknashee was not identified as a hilltop fort untill 1988, the fort covers 53 acres and has two earth and stone ramparts surrounding the area, inside are two cairns and the remains of about 30 house sites. Access is across a friendly farmers land and it is a very very steep climb to the top, but well worth the effort as the fort has a wonderful view of the Connaught plain.
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