Carrowmore - Tomb 51 (Listoghil)


Carrowmore - Tomb 51 (Listoghil)

Location: Carrowmore, Co. Sligo

Classification: Passage Tomb

SMR Code: SL014-209022-

Rating:


Tomb 51 is the central tomb in the Carrowmore complex and is also known as Listoghil. Before excavation, about 20 kerbstones were visible in a sprawling uneven mound reaching a height of 2.5m, the remains of a disturbed cairn of loose stones. The capstone of the chamber was also exposed. No records of when the monument was damaged survive though it is believed that it had been once used as a quarry. During excavation cremated human and animal bones were found deposited behind the kerbstones, along with some unburned human bones in the chamber. Dates indicate that the chamber was in use about 3500BC. After excavation the cairn was restored to what was believed to be its original profile. The original kerb, an outer circle of 101 stones and the burial chamber have been retained.

Description

Tomb 51 is the central tomb in the Carrowmore complex and is also known as Listoghil. Before excavation, about 20 kerbstones were visible in a sprawling uneven mound reaching a height of 2.5m, the remains of a disturbed cairn of loose stones. The capstone of the chamber was also exposed. No records of when the monument was damaged survive though it is believed that it had been once used as a quarry. During excavation cremated human and animal bones were found deposited behind the kerbstones, along with some unburned human bones in the chamber. Dates indicate that the chamber was in use about 3500BC. After excavation the cairn was restored to what was believed to be its original profile. The original kerb, an outer circle of 101 stones and the burial chamber have been retained.

History

The Cúil Irra peninsula, surrounded by sea and mountains, was the centre of a very rich area during the Neolithic. The various parts and features of this landscape were imbued with meaning to the people. Carrowmore, at the very centre of the peninsula, would have had a significant symbolic role for the people living here. This was the place chosen as the sacred and religious centre for the population.

Folklore

One of the most important pieces of folklore explains how the Carrowmore monuments were created. Local folklore has it that the Goddess Beara flew from her home 'Teach Cailleach a Bheara' (another small passage tomb in the Ox Mountains) towards Knocknarea, carrying an apron full of stones with the intention of creating some enclosures for her animals. Unfortunately an accident befell the poor Cailleach (hag or witch) and caused a great number of the stones to fall from her apron to the ground below. They landed in several piles over the landscape of Carrowmore and these became the monuments that we see today.

This monument is part of a Complex

Image

Carrowmore


Location: Carrowmore, Co. Sligo


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This monument is part of a Complex

Accessibility Rating: Easy

Most of the monuments in the Carrowmore Complex can only be accessed through the visitors centre which is open from March till October. The monuments are all within easy walking distance in a 1km sq area around the visitors centre.


Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy

Most of the monuments in the Carrowmore Complex can only be accessed through the visitors centre which is open from March till October. The monuments are all within easy walking distance in a 1km sq area around the visitors centre.


Facilities

Carpark. Visitors Centre.

Map


Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:07

Sunset: 17:31


Directions

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Weather

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Sunrise/Sunset


Sunrise: 08:07

Sunset: 17:31


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