Wedge tomb in Ballynahown

Near head of small valley on S side Beara peninsula, overlooking Bantry Bay. Wedge-shaped gallery (L c. 3m; Wth 1.5m at W end, 1m at E) aligned ENE-WSW. Two sidestones supporting single roof stone represent its E end. Two low overlapping stones, set in line with the N side stone, indicate that gallery extended to W. Roofed portion decreases in height from W to E. Tomb incorporated in low mound, 10.5m by 7.5m. (de Valera and O Nualláin 1982, 34-5, Co. 50) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 See linked document with details from Ruaidhrí de Valera and Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume IV. Counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1982)

Wedge tomb, dating to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age (c. 2500–1000 BCE). Its orientation and construction reflect typical features of west Cork wedge tombs, part of a regional megalithic tradition with ceremonial and funerary significance.