Megalithic structure in Tooreen (costello By.)

In pasture, located on a slight rise, overlooked to NW by higher ground. Not shown on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. A sod-covered subrectangular mound or cairn (14.8m NW-SE; 12.4m NE-SW), with a ramp-like profile on its long axis. It is highest at the SE end (H 1.1m) sloping down from there to a poorly defined NW edge that is more or less flush with surrounding ground level. In parts where the sod has been eroded by farm stock, it can be seen that the mound is composed predominately of stones. There is a low raised stony rim (Wth c. 2m) along the top edge of the mound at E−SE. A hawthorn tree grows from the low NW end of the mound and is encircled at its roots by a jumble of loose stone. Two stone slabs barely protrude above this loose rubble. The slabs appear to be set upright and are in line with the long axis of the cairn, and it is possible that they are part of a structure concealed within the cairn. The nature of this monument is uncertain. Some, at least, of the accumulated stones appear to be field clearance stones, and the bulk of the mound may be the result of field clearance activity. However, there is a possibility that the cairn is ancient or incorporates an archaeologically significant core. Several hawthorn trees growing on the mound, particularly at the SE end. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 November 2021