Cairn

On a gentle S-facing slope, on a plateau E of Slievenamon, in pasture. There is another cairn (TS072-018----) c. 50m to the NNW, with a lane running NW-SE between the two.  The view is impeded to the N and W by a rise of slope, but is good to the NE of Drom Dearg Ridge, extensive to the E (though currently blocked by trees), very good to the S with peak of Cruchán visible and the Comeraghs mountain range. The view to the SW is dominated by Slievenamon, with the cairn (TS078-001----) visible on the summit. A compact, well-constructed circular cairn (diam. 8.3m; H 1.22m on E side; 1.6m on S side) with good basal stones on the S side and stones above forming rough layers. The top is fairly flat with some loose small boulders strewn about. The edge of the cairn in the NW sector is not clear, perhaps where stones have been robbed and there is some disturbance on the NNE edge. The cairn is well-preserved from E-S-W. The stones are of local sandstone, with one lump of quartz visible. According to the landowner the field surrounding the cairn is known locally as ‘Kill field’ and it has never been ploughed with a tractor. There is a sycamore tree growing on the summit and there are hawthorn trees on the sides.  The close proximity of a similar cairn and the presence of a possible cist in that cairn, would suggest that this is also a prehistoric burial cairn, however, it cannot be dated more precisely without archaeological excavation.   Compiled by: Jean Farrelly