Heapstown Cairn

Heapstown Cairn is a cairn and National Monument located in County Sligo, Ireland.[1]

Heapstown Cairn
Native name
Irish: Carn Ochtriallach
Location of Heapstown Cairn in Ireland
Typecairn
LocationHeapstown, Riverstown,
County Sligo, Ireland
Coordinates54.095000°N 8.348333°W / 54.095000; -8.348333
Area0.4 ha (0.99 acres)
Elevation65 m (213 ft)
Height6 m (20 ft)
Builtc. 3000 BC
Official nameHeapstown
Reference no.152
Heapstown Cairn

Location

Heapstown Cairn is located immediately north of Lough Arrow, 2.1 km (1.3 mi) northwest of Ballindoon Friary.[2]

History

Heapstown Cairn was constructed c. 3000 BC and is believed to enclose a passage grave. It is believed to be related to Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery, located 5 km (3.1 mi) SSE of Heapstown. In folk tradition it was the burial site of Ailill mac Echach Mugmedóin, brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages.

One account of the cairn's construction is given in the Second Battle of Moytura. Dian Cecht, healer to the Tuatha Dé Danann, puts healing herbs into the Well of Sláine, and the Tuatha Dé Danann drink from it. The Fomorians, on a suggestion from the warrior Ochtriallach, fill it with stones to keep their enemies from using it. Thus it is known as Carn Ochtriallach "Ochtriallach's cairn."

In 1837 it stood to its full height and had a standing stone atop, but much of the stone has been removed since then for road-building.[3]

Description

The cairn is 57 m (187 ft) in diameter and about 6 m high. There is a kerb of limestone blocks around the edge and probably a passage grave underneath.[4][5][6][7]

References
  1. Falk, Ann-britt; Kyritz, Donata M. (1 January 2008). Folk Beliefs and Practice in Medieval Lives: Ed. by Ann-Britt Falk ... Archaeopress. ISBN 9781407301969 – via Google Books.
  2. Moore, Sam (1 January 1998). "Archaeology in County Sligo". FAS Community Services Unit – via Google Books.
  3. Hensey, Robert (30 June 2015). First Light: The Origins of Newgrange. Oxbow Books. ISBN 9781782979548 – via Google Books.
  4. "Heapstown, Cairn, Co. Sligo".
  5. "Heapstown Cairn - Attractions - Museums and Attractions - All Ireland - Republic of Ireland - Sligo - Castlebaldwin - Discover Ireland".
  6. "Heapstown Cairn, Sligo".
  7. "Heapstown".
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