Anomalous stone group in Kilcashel

Situated on a N-facing slope within a copse of conifers c. 9m up-slope from a farm track. The remains consist of a chamber-like feature defined by two orthostats on the N and two other possible orthostats on the S. The ‘chamber’ is orientated WSW – ENE and is wedge-shaped in plan with the wider element (1.55m at E) narrowing to 0.85m at W. The E of the two uprights forming the S side measures 1.9m long, 0.35m thick and stands 0.7m high. It is separated by 0.6m from its W counterpart which measure 2.3m long, 0.3m thick and is 1m high. These stones give an overall ‘chamber’ length of 4.85m. There are three wedge-indentations or marks visible on the upper interior edge of the E stone and a single example is visible on the W end of the W orthostat. These are V-shaped in profile with a rounded point at the bottom. The edges of these marks are not sharp and they do not appear to have been made using metal tools. The two stones that form the possible S side lean markedly inwards to the N and it is unclear if both were ever fully erect: no wedge-marks are visible on these stones. The E stone measures 1.4m long, is at least 0.2m thick and, if erect, would have been at least 0.6m high. The slab beside it to the W measures 1.85m long, 0.3m thick and, if erect, would have been 0.8m high: its top rests against a tree growing in the ‘chamber’. Some 2m W of this stone is a low orthostat set transversely to the line of the so-called ‘chamber’ sides. It measures 0.7m long, 0.27m thick and is 0.25m high: its function and relationship to the others is unclear. The area within the ‘chamber’ is lower than the surrounding ground and it is possible that it has been dug out. There is a small spoil heap immediately to the N and just outside the junction of the two N orthostats and the raised area immediately E of the ‘chamber’ may also be the result of digging. There are other stones apparently set or raised in similar positions on the hillside within the copse and it is impossible to be certain which are natural features and which may be the result of quarrying operations. The ‘chamber’ remains cannot be classified with certainty in their present condition, and while the monument shares certain affinities with those of the megalithic tomb class, especially wedge tombs, the evidence is not sufficient to warrant accepting it as a genuine example. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 10 June 2013