Cairn V, one of the seven monuments remaining on the summit of Sliabh na Caillí. Note the outlying stone, right.

Main Page 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. 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. 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 chamber stone in 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'.

Cairn V looking south-east, the general direction of the Boyne Valley.