Why this matters
Portal dolmen; likely dates to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Its long cairn and gothic map inscription suggest a combination of prehistoric monument and later folklore, reflecting both ancient funerary practices and medieval or early modern local traditions.
What is recorded here
Situated on a NW-facing slope overlooking a slight col. It is represented on the 1834 and 1907 editions of the OS 6-inch map where it is described in gothic lettering as a ‘Giant’s Grave’. A cairn (L 16m; Wth 13m) is aligned NW-SE with a court at the SE end represented by two stones and entry jambs which give access to gallery (L 6.5m; Wth 1.5m) divided by two pairs of jambs into three chambers. According to the local folk record this monument was investigated more than once (IFC: Schools MSS (936) 152-4), for which see this web-page accessed on 29/05/2018: https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes (Borlase 1897 vol. 1, 295; de Valera 1960, 124)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Monaghan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Michael Moore
Date of revision: 22 June 2018
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