Giants Grave — Highwood

In pasture, on a slight E-facing slope. A triangular slightly raised area (max. Wth 8.3m; max. L 11.5m) defined by an earthen bank with a stone at each corner. The S and NW sides are defined by an earthen bank (H 0.3m and 0.4m respectively) while the NE side is defined by a scarp (H 0.35m). The SW and SE corners are marked by limestone glacial erratics (1.2m x 1.9m x 1.65m and 1.75m x 2.2m x 1.2m), that at SW standing on a natural limestone pedestal (H 0.45m). These stones are probably natural depositions. The N corner is marked by a prostrate limestone pillar (L 3.1m; Wth 1.4m; T 0.8m), which may have originally been upright, and which projects into the interior. There is an upright slab (H 1m; 0.8m x 1.6m) at the SW end of the S side. There is a gap (Wth 1m) in the bank at SW. The interior is level and clear of overgrowth and slightly raised to compensate for the hillslope. Noted by Wood-Martin (1883-4, 456) as 'a very peculiar structure'. Though named 'Giant's Grave' on the 1914 OS 6-inch map, this is not a megalithic tomb. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008