Knockmany Cairn

Knockmany Cairn

Location: Knockmany, Co. Tyrone

Classification: Passage Tomb

Rating:

Knockmany Cairn is a passage tomb that stands on top of a steep hill with views across the Clogher Valley 2.8km north-west of Augher. The upright stones vary in height between 1m to 1.5m and the mound is 24m in diameter. The passage of the tomb has disappeared but several of the stones forming the chamber remain. They are decorated with characteristic Neolithic art, including circles, spirals and zigzags. The modern covering was added to protect the artwork from weathering and damage.

Description

Knockmany Cairn is a passage tomb that stands on top of a steep hill with views across the Clogher Valley 2.8km north-west of Augher. The upright stones vary in height between 1m to 1.5m and the mound is 24m in diameter. The passage of the tomb has disappeared but several of the stones forming the chamber remain. They are decorated with characteristic Neolithic art, including circles, spirals and zigzags. The modern covering was added to protect the artwork from weathering and damage.

History

The construction of the tomb dates back thousands of years and the designs carved on 3 of its 12 huge orthostats are broadly similar to those at Newgrange and Lough Crew (c.3200 – c.2900 b.c) and include spirals, cup-marks, serpentines and concentric circles.

Folklore

The tomb is linked to the name of the goddess Áine, a possibly ancient solar deity. The name ‘Cnoc mBaine’ has various interpretations from ‘The Hill of Queen Baine’, ‘The Hill of the Monks’ or ‘Annya’s Cove’. Queen Baine was said to be the wife of the legendary High King Tuathal Techtmar and was reputedly buried here in the tomb of the goddess Áine. In mythology, this was also one of the homes of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his wife Oonagh.

Accessibility Rating: Moderate

On the summit of Knockmany in the Forest Park, reached by an uphill path through the forest from the car park on the north-west side of the hill. There is access to the mound at all times, and a general view of the stones can be had through the gate of the chamber. The Cairn is opened by appointment. For more information please contact Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre, Dungannon. Telephone: 028 87 728600

Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Moderate

On the summit of Knockmany in the Forest Park, reached by an uphill path through the forest from the car park on the north-west side of the hill. There is access to the mound at all times, and a general view of the stones can be had through the gate of the chamber. The Cairn is opened by appointment. For more information please contact Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre, Dungannon. Telephone: 028 87 728600

Facilities

There are no facilities at this site.

Map

Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:43

Sunset: 16:32

Directions

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Weather

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:43

Sunset: 16:32

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