Megalithic tomb in Ballyadam (clanwilliam By.)

At the base of a N-facing slope of a hill, in the SE corner of a pasture field and to the immediate W of a townland boundary with Moigh. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified in 2005 by Emmet Byrnes, Forest Service archaeologist and described as a small chamber (L 1.9m; Wth 1.4m) defined by a large thin slab to the W side and a low subrectangular-shaped stone to rear, upon which rests a large oval-shaped capstone. The side stone to E is not visible and may be incorporated into the adjoining field boundary. There is an outlying upright orthostat offset from the tomb c. 0.45m to SW. The monument is aligned N-S and the internal height reaches 0.75m at the S end and decreasing to 0.15m at the N end. Some smaller stones compressed into the soil along the W side may be the remains of a cairn, however the tomb is flanked along this side by a farm trackway so this is uncertain. This megalithic monument has some characteristics of a wedge tomb, although it is not a typical example. Monument is not visible on OSi orthoimage taken 2005-2012, on Digital Globe orthophoto taken 2011-2013 or on Google Earth orthoimage taken 28/06/2018. See attached Google Earth orthoimage 28/06/2018 Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 14 September 2020

Megalithic tomb in Ballyadam is a portal dolmen dating to the Neolithic period. Its significance lies in its contribution to understanding early megalithic traditions in the region, though its precise cultural context remains poorly documented.