Giants Grave (1948–54) — Gortnagole

This monument stands c. 600m ESE of the cruciform passage tomb (Site A) in the adjoining townland of Kilmonaster Middle. Six orthostats, four to the N and two to the S, remain of a ruined structure c. 5m long and aligned E-W. The two at the S are incorporated in a field fence. The remains of a mound enclose the structure, but its original outline is unclear. The remains are difficult to interpret. It appears that the westernmost of the four stones at the N and the two at the S, which stand opposite it, all of them lm or more in height, may represent the remains of a chamber up to 2m wide. The remaining three stones, all at the N, none of which is more than 0.7m high, may represent the N side of a passage opening to the E. This would have been lower and, as indicated by the disposition of the stones, probably narrower than the presumed chamber. According to Thomas Fagan (1845-8), much human bone was discovered here in a search for treasure a few years before his visit to the site in the summer of 1846. Fagan 1845-8, book 10, 33; Borlase 1897, 235, Raphoe North no. 6 (Borlase incorrectly identifies a reference by Kinahan to the megalithic tomb at Gortnacull recte Gortmacall More (Dg. 60) as referring to this tomb); Ó Nualláin 1968b, 13-14 (plan, photograph); Herity 1974, 215, Dg. 10; Ó Nualláin 1983a, 37, no. 84 (plan); SMR 1987, 70:70; Ó Nualláin 1989, 127; RMP 1995, 70:70. 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