Cairn T, the central and most intact monument remaining at Loughcrew. Designs from Newgrange pasted into the sky.

Main Page Guided Tours Map Email   Introduction Loughcrew Megalithic art The Cailleach Cairn A Cairn B Cairn C Cairn D Cairn E Cairn F Cairn G Cairn H Cairn I Cairn J Cairn K Cairn L Cairn M Cairn N Cairn O Cairn P Cairn Q Cairn R Cairn S Cairn T Cairn U Cairn V Cairn W Cairn X Cairn Y

Loughcrew - Sliabh na Caillí Sliabh na Caillí, or the Mountains of the Witch as Loughcrew was known, lies west of the town of Kells and south of Oldcastle in west Co. Meath. Stretching in a chain over four peaks which spread out across 4 km, the area is littered with ancient monuments (see map below). The top of each peak is capped by by a group of chambered cairns, and originally there were probably some 40 monuments in total. The sites here are dedicated to the Goddess, in the form of a Witch or Hag, who, according to Borlase was named Garavogue. She is said to have dropped the big heaps of stones from her apron as she hopped across the hill - an interesying story. The sites consists of groups of chambered cairns clustered on three of the peaks. The hills are called Cairnbane to the west, Sliabh na Cailli at the centre and Patrickstown to the east. There was at least one cairn on the fourth hill, called Sliabh Rua or Carrigbrack (below). The sites are mainly built above the 200 meter line, and the highest place is the top of Cairn T at 276 m above sea level. View to Cairn T from ruined Cairn M on Carraigbrack. Seven monuments remain on Sliabh na Caillí, the central and highest peak. Cairn T, main structure is in good condition, with roof and chamber intact; while the others lie in various states of disrepair due to removal of stones on the past. There are fifteen monuments on Cairnbane West, with one chamber, Cairn L in good condition (it was given a concrete roof in the past); Cairn D, the largest was ravaged in an 19th century search for the chamber, but remains unopened. The greatest destruction took place on Patrickstown, the eastern hill where as many as 21 sites are said to have been destroyed. The remains of three, one of which includes the wonderful calendar stone, can be found today.