Joseph Moran

From ‘The Megalithic Portal’:

“Teltown (Tailten) is famous for the ancient Lughnasadh festival that took place here on the 1st August each year. It is a comprised of a large number of archaeological monuments. Amongst them is Rath Airthir ( the Eastern Fort). It is trivallate ceremonial enclosure defined by two high earthen banks and three fosses. There are references to Rath Airther in the Dinshenchas and it is believed that it may have been the location of the Royal assembly at Tailtu. The enclosure is at least 80 metres across it widest point and it is hidden beneath a canopy of sycamore trees. The only way to really appreciate the enormity of this site is visit yourself.

Centrally located in the enclosure is a large Barrow (Burial mound), pictured below. Because of it’s appearance it is often described as a norman motte. It is even suggested the the normans may converted the site for use as a motte and bailey. The site is located on private property, so please ask at the adjacent house for permission.”

From yverdonlesbainsregion.ch :

“The unique formation of the Clendy Menhirs is the most important Neolithic site in Switzerland. Situated on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, it comprises 45 standing stones that were erected more than 6000 years ago, and are carved with human form. Some are 4.5 metres tall and weigh up to five tonnes.
When the level of Upper Lake Neuchâtel decreased by 2.7 m after channeling the watercourses from the Jura (1869-1883), the menhirs appeared on the water surface in Clendy.
In 1896, engineer Charles de Sinner published a description of the site and affirmed that these blocks had been aligned by man. It was not until 1975 that his claim was confirmed by scientist and geologist Jacques-Henri Gabus.
These 45 erratic blocks – Alpine rocks swept along by the Rhône glacier – were cut into human shape. Some of them are 4.5 m high and weigh 5 tons. They are comparable to the carved statues of the Mediterranean Neolithic.
As the site was not covered with trees in those days, there was a view from east to west, from the rivers to the mountains, from the stars to the Moon.
After erosion caused by strong lake transgression, the menhirs started collapsing in 850 B.C. They were re-erected in 1986.
This unique site in Switzerland resembles the one in Carnac in France. Some claim that benign waves can be felt there.”

From Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society:

“At Slanemore (Slemain Mide) about 5km west of Mullingar is a cemetery of six barrows or burial mounds of the later prehistoric period. Three impressive stepped tumuli are strikingly positioned on the hilltop while three other less prominent barrows, are located lower on either side of the road. Slane More was the location of an encampment of the Ulster forces in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, and it marks the site of an important battle between Ulster and Leinster in the annals AD498”

From Paul Gosling on researchgate (researchgate.net/figure/Photograph-dated-c-1920-of-the-barrow-group-on-the-summit-of-Slanemore-Hill-Co_fig6_325011589) in reference to the black and white image:

“Photograph dated c. 1920 of the barrow group on the summit of Slanemore Hill, Co. Westmeath, 6.5km north-west of Mullingar (Source: Shaw 1921, pl. xxii). The view is from the north and shows three of the five barrows on the hill-from right to left these are RMP WM018-078002, WM018-078001 and WM018-078. In TBC I, Mac Roth, the messenger of Medb and Ailill, describes the arrival of the Ulaid forces here as follows: ‘There came on to the hill at Slemain Mide … a great company, fierce, powerful, proud. I think that it numbered three thousand. At once they cast off their garments and dug up a turfy mound as a seat for their leader’ (lines 3589-3592 and p. 221). ”

From Butterhill townland’s wikipedia entry:

“Butterhill is known in antiquarian circles for the distinctive burial mound situated in the centre of the townland, thought to date back to the 5th century.”

Handwritten essay by a primary school pupil in 1938*, Clochar na Trócaire (Convent of Mercy), Skibbereen

“Wedding customs. Near the north end of the island of Cleire, a pillarstone, Gallaun, may be seen standing upright and about four feet high. In the centre there is a circular opening; there is an ancient tradition connected with it. In former times this was a marriage stone where lovers met and became engaged. As no jeweller flourished on the island and engagement rings were not to be obtained, the lovers adopted the custom of plighting their troth by shaking hands through the circular opening. The mutual vows made on such occasions were strictly observed. This Gallaun is looked upon as a venerable relic connected in someway or another with the worship of the Druids”.