Kilmogue Portal Tomb
Location: Kilmogue, Co. Kilkenny
Classification: Portal Tomb
SMR Code: KK035-044----
Rating:
Kilmogue Portal Tomb is an exceptional example of a megalithic monument known as a Portal Tomb. Two huge portal stones form the entrance to a stone-lined chamber which is roofed by two massive stone slabs, the larger of which lies at a steep angle. The portal stones are around 3.7 metres high and the capstone reaches up well over 4 metres. The entrance faces NE and has an enormous door-stone almost 3 metres high. Kilmogue Portal Tomb is one of the largest and most spectacular dolmens in Ireland and is well worth a visit.
The monument is sited on flat pastureland above the headwaters of a tributary of the River Suir. This was the type of landscape preferred by the builders of this type of monument in Southeast Ireland. The tomb has never been scientifically excavated. The likelihood is that it was built by Neolithic farmers about 6,000 years ago for the burial of important members of their community, perhaps also to be the focal point in the area for that group or tribe.
Another name is Leac an Scail, "the hero's stone." Scal literally means "burst", and scal ghráine (sunburst) is used to refer to the mythological warriors the Fianna. This could also be Leac an Scáil, "the phantom's stone". The name "Kilmogue" derives its name from the Irish Cill Mhóg, "Mog's church", possibly referring to the Celtic deity Mug Ruith (or Mogh Roith, "slave of the wheel"); which may, in turn, be a variation of the celtic deity, Mogons, a god associated with mountains and whose name is cognate with "might." In Irish mythology, Mug Ruith was a powerful blind druid usually associated with the province of Munster.
Description
Kilmogue Portal Tomb is an exceptional example of a megalithic monument known as a Portal Tomb. Two huge portal stones form the entrance to a stone-lined chamber which is roofed by two massive stone slabs, the larger of which lies at a steep angle. The portal stones are around 3.7 metres high and the capstone reaches up well over 4 metres. The entrance faces NE and has an enormous door-stone almost 3 metres high. Kilmogue Portal Tomb is one of the largest and most spectacular dolmens in Ireland and is well worth a visit.
History
The monument is sited on flat pastureland above the headwaters of a tributary of the River Suir. This was the type of landscape preferred by the builders of this type of monument in Southeast Ireland. The tomb has never been scientifically excavated. The likelihood is that it was built by Neolithic farmers about 6,000 years ago for the burial of important members of their community, perhaps also to be the focal point in the area for that group or tribe.
Folklore
Another name is Leac an Scail, "the hero's stone." Scal literally means "burst", and scal ghráine (sunburst) is used to refer to the mythological warriors the Fianna. This could also be Leac an Scáil, "the phantom's stone". The name "Kilmogue" derives its name from the Irish Cill Mhóg, "Mog's church", possibly referring to the Celtic deity Mug Ruith (or Mogh Roith, "slave of the wheel"); which may, in turn, be a variation of the celtic deity, Mogons, a god associated with mountains and whose name is cognate with "might." In Irish mythology, Mug Ruith was a powerful blind druid usually associated with the province of Munster.
Accessibility Rating: Easy
There are no facilities at this site.
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
Facilities
There are no facilities at this site.
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 06:56
Sunset: 19:55
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 06:56
Sunset: 19:55
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