Burial in Rathroe

In pasture, located on the summit of a hill, close to the break of slope on the N side where there are excellent views NW−SE over the valley of the Rathroe River. To S, Nephin Mountain is visible, dominating the far horizon. This monument is evident as a sod-covered, linear mound (6m N−S; 1.75m E−W; H 0.5m). The mound appears to be predominantly earthen but incorporates small and medium-sized stones which protrude from the sod. A boulder (1.8m E−W; 1.3m N−S; H 0.6m) rests on top of the mound, towards its N end. The boulder is roughly rounded in cross-section, and has a flat top. According to local tradition, this is a grave, and is known by the name of ‘Máire’s Sow Mhór’ (phonetic spelling) (pers. comm. Mr. Seán Gilvarry, Rathroe, May 2016). The origin of this tradition is unknown. A low, subrectangular mound or possible burial ground (MA021-099001-) is located 6m to S. There is a rath (MA021-098----) c. 200m to NNW, a tower house (MA021-033----) c. 160m to NE. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 17 June 2016

A Neolithic passage tomb; dating to the 4th–3rd millennium BCE. Its location on a prominent hill summit suggests ritual or ceremonial significance, typical of Neolithic funerary monuments in the region.