What is recorded here

Half a mile west of Gortnaskea, two men wrote down a cromlech on Scalp Mountain but never marked where it lay. One called it excellent, the other merely remaining; neither gave a path, a field or a stone large enough to find again. The mountain keeps that much back, turning a tomb into a rumour and a rumour into a test of whether you will go looking or leave the dead unrated.

According to A.I. Young (1929), there are the remains of a 'cromlech' on Scalp Mountain. 'Maghtochair' (1867, 15) described one there as being in excellent preservation. It is presumed that both had the same site in mind. Scalp Mountain is almost wholly situated in the above townland, but the site referred to is not known, nor is there any description of it in the two reports. It may well be a natural feature, as 'Maghtochair' (1867, 65) used the term 'cromlech' to describe just such a feature in the nearby townland of Crislaghmore (App. 2, No. 16). 'Maghtochair' 1867, 15; A.I. Young 1929, 8. The above description was published in the 'Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume VI, County Donegal.' Compiled by: Eamon Cody (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Megalithic tomb in Gortnaskea is likely a portal dolmen, dating to the Neolithic period. Its significance lies in its historical documentation and presumed excellent preservation, indicating an important early funerary or ritual site in the region.

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