Megalithic tomb in Maigh Ráithe

Thomas Fagan (1845-8), on his visit to this townland in 1845, was told of the destruction of what may have been a megalithic tomb. It had reportedly stood c. 100 yards (c. 90m) W of the court tomb (Dg. 103) (DG025-038----) in the same townland and like it was locally called 'Dermot and Grania's Bed'. It had consisted of 'several graves of great size' that were 'enclosed at ends and sides by immensely large blocks and flags standing 3 to 5 feet [c. 0.9-1.5m] above the ground, a few from 6 to 8 feet [c. 1.8-2.4m] high and of great breadth and thickness and in one case a stupendous flag supported about 4 feet [c. 1.2m] above the ground on upright pillars of great weight and thickness'. He added that the entire structure had been 'recently dislodged and the immense blocks and slabs used in houses and fences on the site, many of them still retaining their original size and form'. He also recorded that c. 50 yards (c. 45m) to the N there was an 'ancient column' 8 feet (c. 2.4m) high, 51/2 feet (c. 1.7m) broad and 4 feet (c. 1.2m) thick. A 'few small pillars' stood at its base. There may well have been a megalithic tomb here, but reliance on Fagan's necessarily generalised second-hand report leaves some uncertainty about the nature of the feature. Fagan 1845-8, book 3, 18. 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