Dermot and Granias Bed — An Clochán Beag

This feature was first shown on the 1847-8 edition of the OS 6-inch map. It consists of two upright stones, 0.6m apart, lying NE and SW of each other. That to the SW is lm long, 0.5m thick and 1.1m high. That to the NE is 1.2m long, 0.8m thick and 1.5m in maximum height. Both are incorporated in a low fence and rise above bog c. 1m deep. Some low stones beside the south-western stone are of uncertain status. According to Thomas Fagan (1845-8), 'a few smaller stones' a 1/2 foot to 1 foot (c. 0.15-0.3m) high stood beside the two uprights. He further claimed that 'a large enclosed grave' had stood 'a little eastward' of the stones until it was 'dug out' in the summer of 1846, shortly before his visit, which took place between 2 September and 31 October of that year. The nature of the 'enclosed grave' referred to by Fagan is not known, nor is it clear whether he considered the two stones still extant here as part of it. The function of these stones is now uncertain, but they can be interpreted as a pair of jambs in a megalithic gallery, the larger one being particularly well suited to carry corbels. There may have been a megalithic tomb at this location, but more evidence is required to establish with any degree of certainty that such was the case. Fagan 1845-8, book 13, 8 (sketch); Ó Nualláin 1983a, 44, no. 120; SMR 1987, 68:6; RMP 1995, 68:6. 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