Megalithic tomb in Ballymacus

Situated at edge of steep slope above cliff at Ballymacus Point. Monument consists of oblong cairn (L 8.5m; Wth 2.5m) with oblong depression, abutting old fence. Remains of gallery, at W end (L 3.6m), aligned E-W; represented by three orthostats and a prostrate slab to S, single orthostat to W. Cremen (1924, 73) records that, in 1872, a party of soldiers dug into the monument and removed a 'covering slab'. The remains appear to be last vestiges of a megalithic tomb. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Megalithic tomb in Ballymacus is a Neolithic passage tomb, dating to approximately 3500–2500 BCE. Its alignment and gallery structure reflect early ceremonial funerary practices in the region.