Megalithic tomb in Gortakeeran

The monument, greatly ruined, stands about 300m SE of a wedge tomb (SL025-008----) and is on similar land at the foot of the ridge occupied by that tomb. It consists of a number of large prostrate slabs and leaning stones along with some small set stones. The remains stretch some 7.5m SE-NW, perhaps the alignment of the ruined structure, and are described here as if they lay E-W. There are two set stones at the W end neither more than 0.8m long or 0.2m high, one set transversely to the long axis of the structure and the other at its more northerly side. Close to the E end there is a large westwards-leaning slab (L 2.3m; H if upright c. 2m) at right angles to the long axis of the structure. West of and at right angles to the S end of this there is a somewhat smaller northwards-leaning slab. At right-angles to the outer face of the former there is a small set stone (L 0.6m; T 0.15m; H 0.25m) and 0.6m S of the latter there is another (L 0.9m; T 0.15m; H 0.4m). Along the N side of structure there are three large displaced slabs, the largest 3.5m x 2.4m x 0.6m T. There are also other smaller displaced and partly buried stones at the site. Traces of mound survive along the N side and W end of the structure. (Ó Nualláin 1989, 56, no. 88) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008 See linked document with details from Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume V. County Sligo. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1989)

Megalithic tomb in Gortakeeran is likely a portal dolmen, dating to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Its proximity to a known wedge tomb suggests it is part of a broader funerary landscape of significance in the region.