Lough Gur Wedge Tomb
Location: Lough Gur, Co. Limerick
Classification: Wedge Tomb
SMR Code: LI032-029----
Rating:
Also known as the 'Giants Grave', this is one of the best preserved wedge tombs you will find. The main chamber still retains its roof stones and the portico, although devoid of roof stones, is very clear. The double walling too is evident on both sides of the chambers. It is aligned north east-south west, with the portico at the south-west end, and about 9m in length. The portico measures 1.5m l x 2m w. The whole structure is 3.5m wide when the double walling is taken into account. A few large stones lay scattered about that may once have been kerb stones. The chamber is no more 70cm tall at the northeast end rising to 1.2m at the southwest end.
The later peoples of Ireland would wonder at these huge enigmatic constructions and frequently attributed them to giants, giving rise to the proliferation of giants in Irish mythology. Hence, once the local names for this tomb being "The Giants Grave". This is also known as one of the 'beds' of Diarmuid & Gráinne; Áine (Gráinne) was also a goddess of fertility and up until recent times, local men would spend the night inside the monument as it was said to increase their virility.
Description
Also known as the 'Giants Grave', this is one of the best preserved wedge tombs you will find. The main chamber still retains its roof stones and the portico, although devoid of roof stones, is very clear. The double walling too is evident on both sides of the chambers. It is aligned north east-south west, with the portico at the south-west end, and about 9m in length. The portico measures 1.5m l x 2m w. The whole structure is 3.5m wide when the double walling is taken into account. A few large stones lay scattered about that may once have been kerb stones. The chamber is no more 70cm tall at the northeast end rising to 1.2m at the southwest end.
Folklore
The later peoples of Ireland would wonder at these huge enigmatic constructions and frequently attributed them to giants, giving rise to the proliferation of giants in Irish mythology. Hence, once the local names for this tomb being "The Giants Grave". This is also known as one of the 'beds' of Diarmuid & Gráinne; Áine (Gráinne) was also a goddess of fertility and up until recent times, local men would spend the night inside the monument as it was said to increase their virility.
This monument is part of a Complex
This monument is part of a Complex
Accessibility Rating: Easy
There are no facilities at this monument
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 07:59
Sunset: 18:40
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 07:59
Sunset: 18:40
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