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Guided Tours

Introduction

Loughcrew

Megalithic art

The Cailleach

Cairns A, B and C

Cairn D

Cairns E, F and G

Cairn H

Cairns I, J and K

Cairn L

Cairns M, N and O

Cairn R

Cairn S

Cairn T

Cairn U

Cairn V

Cairns X and Y

 

Cairn V

Cairn V, to the south-east of Cairn T, is about 10 meters in diameter, and has kerbstones and orthostats remaining, but no cairn stones though there is a low platform within the kerbs. It is difficult to make out which way the passage is oriented; Brennan thought it was to the winter solstice sunrise. A large stone stands a meter from the kerb on the northwest side, in the direction of Cairn T.

The chamber has a double cruciform plan, ie an end recess ans two side recesses on side. Engravings can be made out on four of the remaining chamber stones. Conwell found a 'long rounded white sea-pebble, which from appearances, may have been used as a sling-stone, or a hammer' by this outer stone.

Engraved orthostat within the chamber of Cairn V.

Cairn W

This cairn is quite small, being about 7 meters in diameter. It contains a small, sunken chamber, about 2 meters long. There were five decorated stones and a stone basin here. Brennan called it the 'Pot Cairn' and gives its orientation as south, with a probable use for monitering the height of the sun in the sky at midday on important dates, such as the equinoxes. I seem to remember reading somewhere that an unusual pot was found in the chamber, but Herity doesn't mention it.

Cairn W, the south facing 'Pot Cairn'.