Megalithic structure in Ballynaslee

On steep slopes of hills to W of the Nore river valley, a little below the gently sloping crest, in grassland. There are good views along valley N-S and E across valley. Poor views W towards higher land. This is one of two megalithic structures, neither of which are visible above ground. According to Borlase (1897, vol. 2, 402), in this townland there were ‘two dolmens, called respectively ‘Clogan-carneen,’ and ‘Mainsair Asal’…At this place, according to Tighe [1802, 625], was “a great stone, called in Irish ‘Cloghan carneen’. It was about 15 feet long by only 8 feet broad, and 20 inches thick, and was supported on six or eight large stones which stood in the side of a cavity, and raised it 3 feet above the ground. Beneath was a place hollowed out and floored with stones”. The monument was destroyed, the hollow place only remaining in one of which, when the stone was broken, was found a heap of bones, with teeth like those of pigs. On the hill, a hundred yards above, a cavity appeared, from which the great stone might have been raised, and slipped down upon its supporters. Not far from this dolmen, adds the same writer, was “a square enclosure, formed of four large, upright stones, with two others forming a roof. Three or four side-stones had been taken away. On digging within, human bones, it was said had been found. The earth around it was raised. The entrance was at an angle. This latter monument was called in Irish ‘Mainsair Asal’ or the Asses’ Manger’. There is a stone-lined well and a lime kiln at this location. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 2 February 2016