Megalithic structure in An Gleann Mór (bar. Corca Dhuibhne, Tc Dún Chaoin)

The steep-sided valley known as An Gleann Mór extends NE from Dunquin between Croaghmarhin to N and Coumaleague Hill to S. Its upper reaches are now covered by blanket bog and provide only rough grazing for sheep. On the S slopes of the valley, about 75m from the small river that flows along its centre, is a wedge-tomb (8) which is largely buried in the bog. Old field boundaries in the immediate vicinity may be associated with it, and recent turf-cutting has revealed a pre-bog hut foundation (7) about 60m to W of the tomb. Also on this side of the valley, about 175m to SW of the tomb, is an artificial mound (KE048-148----) of uncertain origin. The land on the N side of the river, directly opposite the tomb, has been reclaimed and enclosed since at least the beginning of the 19th century (1st edition of OS map). This modern field system has been superimposed upon an earlier system which may be related to the old field boundaries in the vicinity of the tomb, and which may pre-date the initiation of peat growth in the area; however, this is by no means certain. A few disused field boundaries can also be traced in the open moorland to N, E and S of the modern fields. For the most part the walls survive as rows of stones, some standing upright and others forming low stony banks, often turf-covered. Other features of interest on the N side of the river include a standing stone and megalithic structure (9), a cairn (4), possible cist (5) and two enclosures (2 and 3). The relationship between all these features cannot be determined by means of a surface examination, but the presence of the standing stone and wedge-tomb suggests Early Bronze Age activity in the valley, and it is possible that at least some of the other features, including the walls, are related to this. (9) A standing stone [KE042-132009-] and unclassified megalithic structure located 4m apart on the N slopes of the valley. The megalithic structure, measuring c. 2.3m N-S x 1.4m E-W, is defined along its W side by 2 upright slabs, 1.29m and 0.77m high, and on its S side by a 0.7m high slab which tilts markedly to SW. Also at the S end, partly embedded in the ground, is what appears to be either a capstone or displaced orthostat. Beyond the NW end of the site is a prostrate slab now for the most part buried. It is not possible to classify the structure from a surface examination alone, but it may represent some form of grave. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 24. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.