archaeological ireland

Distributed over many acres and extending into adjoining townlands, Carrowmore represents the largest grouping of megalithic monuments in Ireland, and immense Neolithic burial ground where once there may have been more than a hundred tombs. Casual exploration in the last century and present day gravel quarrying in the vicinity have devalued the archaeological potential of the site; but it is still a rewarding place to visit, steeped in atmosphere and evoking a sense of the past.
The s...

Archives are viewed by appointment only. Contact  the number above for more information....

The Great Heath of Maryborough is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The place is of the battle of Cainthinc in the third-Century, the stone called Leac Reta where the seven cantreds of ancient Leix met, iron-age ring barrows, bronze-age cultivated ridges, Rath Shane, an annual ancient assembly called an oenach, nineteenth-century horse racing and manoeuvres of the Queen's County Militia. Today it includes a GAA complex and a golf club....

Take the Collooney-Sligo road to the second signpost left for Lavagh and the Ox Mountains Drive. As you approach this turn the distinctive shape of Knock-Na-Shee looms up before you. Recent aerial photography of the mountain has revealed contours which suggest that one of the biggest Stone Age burial grounds in Europe lies beneath the surface of this "Hill of the Fairies", - the English translation of the Irish name. There is a pitch and putt course to your left before you turn for Lavagh....

Dowth is the third of the great passage graves in the royal cemetery at Bru na Boinne. Similar in size to Newgrange an Knowth (85 metres in diameter and 15m in height), it has unfortunately suffered considerably more weathering and erosin than its neighbours over the years. Dowth contains two modest passages, both situated in the western part of the mound and located about 20 metres apart. The more northerly tomb is the most impressive; it is of cruciform design and off one of the side cham...

A unique trail of fifteen size specific sculptures. Encompassing miles of rugged coastline....

This is one of the last remaining pieces of the original  town wall. This ruined gateway was one of 5 in a section of the town walls which were built by Geoffrey de Geneville.
Access by permission only....

This house at Lehery, Lanesboro, County Longford was the home of Rev. Joseph Mullooly. Fr. Mullooly's claim to fame is as the archaeologist who discovered the ancient temple of Mithras in Rome beneath more recent buildings which dated from the twelfth century. This is one of the most interesting and popular monuments of Christian history, and one of Rome's greatest attractions. Fr. Mullooly died in 1880 and is buried in the cemetery of San Lorenzo....

The 'Royal County' of Meath boasts a dramatic history and proud heritage that no other country can match. Man has settled here for over 8,000 years and everywhere one turns one can see surviving monuments and relics scattered profusely beside the rolling rivers and on the lush plains. Formerly one of the five historic provinces of Ireland, it was from here that the ancient roads of Ireland radiated, spreading Royal Meath's influence and affluence to all the corners of Ireland....

An exceptionally fine portal-tome or dolmen, prominent on the skyline 1/4 mile to the east of the main road, 4 miles north-north-west of Ardara. It well displays the classic features from which this type of monument derives its name. The matched portal stones and gracefully uptilted capstone (nearly 20 feet long and one of the largest in Ireland) oversailing the chamber entrance convey a sense of architectural awareness on the part of the builders and its streamlined profile has inspired numer...