Seefin Passage Tomb
Location: Scurlocksleap, Co. Wicklow
Classification: Passage Tomb
SMR Code: WI006-003----
Rating:
This well-preserved passage tomb is located on the summit of Seefin Mountain, County Wicklow. The tomb is covered by a huge circular cairn which is 24 metres in diameter, 3 metres in height and has a kerb of large boulders. A narrow passage, 11 meters in length, opens into a rectangular chamber, in which there are five recesses. Only some of the recesses are visible because the roof of the chamber has collapsed allowing the loose rock of the cairn to pour in. There is some artwork on the kerbstones but it is very indistinct.
Very little is known about those who built Seefin. The tomb was excavated by R.A. Macalister in 1931, however he reported finding no artefacts and no human remains in the tomb. Perhaps the remains had been removed in antiquity by the decedents of the tribe; if they migrated from the area they may have wanted their ancestors with them. Perhaps in some remote period the grave had been desecrated with all traces of the those interred removed and destroyed, or perhaps no-one was buried in the tomb at Seefin in the first place, maybe the tomb was merely a symbolic marker in the landscape and never a final resting place.
Seefin's name in Irish 'Suidh Fhionn', which translates as 'The Seat of Fionn' relating to the Irish mythical hero, Fionn Mac Cumhaill. The ancient texts also refer to Seefin as an entrance to the 'otherworld', where the mythical Tuatha dé Danann retreated to, with the arrival of the Milesian-Gaels.
Description
This well-preserved passage tomb is located on the summit of Seefin Mountain, County Wicklow. The tomb is covered by a huge circular cairn which is 24 metres in diameter, 3 metres in height and has a kerb of large boulders. A narrow passage, 11 meters in length, opens into a rectangular chamber, in which there are five recesses. Only some of the recesses are visible because the roof of the chamber has collapsed allowing the loose rock of the cairn to pour in. There is some artwork on the kerbstones but it is very indistinct.
History
Very little is known about those who built Seefin. The tomb was excavated by R.A. Macalister in 1931, however he reported finding no artefacts and no human remains in the tomb. Perhaps the remains had been removed in antiquity by the decedents of the tribe; if they migrated from the area they may have wanted their ancestors with them. Perhaps in some remote period the grave had been desecrated with all traces of the those interred removed and destroyed, or perhaps no-one was buried in the tomb at Seefin in the first place, maybe the tomb was merely a symbolic marker in the landscape and never a final resting place.
Folklore
Seefin's name in Irish 'Suidh Fhionn', which translates as 'The Seat of Fionn' relating to the Irish mythical hero, Fionn Mac Cumhaill. The ancient texts also refer to Seefin as an entrance to the 'otherworld', where the mythical Tuatha dé Danann retreated to, with the arrival of the Milesian-Gaels.
Accessibility Rating: Moderate - Difficult
There are no facilities at this monument.
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Moderate - Difficult
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument.
Map
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