What is recorded here

You are standing in Moneygashel, County Cavan, where a ruined chamber still holds the NNE end of an eleven-metre cairn at the head of a valley. One western portal-stone rises 1.85m beside a low sillstone, while a missing eastern stone and displaced roof pieces leave the chamber partly opened to time. The shape is damaged, partly rebuilt and closed by a modern wall, yet the great slabs still lean inward like participants in an unfinished conversation.

Situated at the head of a valley, the monument consists of a ruined chamber incorporated in the NNE end of a long cairn. The cairn, distorted by fences and partly rebuilt, is 11m long and 5m in average width. A portal-stone at W, 1.85m high, and a low sillstone at its inner end mark the chamber entrance. The eastern portal-stone is missing as is the W side of the chamber. The eastern side is represented by a long, inward-leaning slab, 1.7m high. The chamber is closed by a modern wall of rough stones in which the edges of two slabs are exposed. A massive displaced roofstone, split into two pieces, overlies the chamber. (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 110-1, No. 9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1995). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2008 See linked document with details from Ruaidhrí de Valera and Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume III. Counties Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath, Laoighis, Offaly, Kildare, Cavan. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1972).

Portal tomb, dating to the Neolithic period (c. 4000–2500 BCE). Its construction reflects early megalithic traditions in Ireland, with a portal stone and chamber indicating ceremonial or burial use.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.