Altar Wedge Tomb

Altar Wedge Tomb

Location: Altar, Co. Cork

Classification: Wedge Tomb

SMR Code: CO148-005----

Rating:

The Altar Wedge Tomb sits on a small level area close to the shoreline with dramatic views over Toormore Bay. It is one of many wedge tombs found on the Mizen Peninsula and is easily the most accessible. The entrance to the tomb faces southwest and appears to be aligned with the distant Mizen Peak. One large roof slab (2.7 m x 2.3 m) is supported by three stones in the southern wall and one of the three in the northern wall. A second slipped roof stone (2.6 m x 2.5 m) lies to the rear of the chamber across the western end. The three stones in the northern wall all lean inward to the galley. There is no cairn material or evidence of kerbstones.

Description

The Altar Wedge Tomb sits on a small level area close to the shoreline with dramatic views over Toormore Bay. It is one of many wedge tombs found on the Mizen Peninsula and is easily the most accessible. The entrance to the tomb faces southwest and appears to be aligned with the distant Mizen Peak. One large roof slab (2.7 m x 2.3 m) is supported by three stones in the southern wall and one of the three in the northern wall. A second slipped roof stone (2.6 m x 2.5 m) lies to the rear of the chamber across the western end. The three stones in the northern wall all lean inward to the galley. There is no cairn material or evidence of kerbstones.

History

Built from local slabs, this wedge-shaped tomb is one of a dozen in the Mizen Peninsula. It was built at the beginning of the Bronze Age; between 2500 and 2000 BC. Excavated in 1989, a pit was found at the eastern edge of the chamber, containing deposits of fish bones and seashells. A small spread of cremated human bones were found in the western section. Outside the chamber worked flint, including scrapers, were also found. The name 'Altar' comes from its use as a Mass Rock during the repressive years of the Penal Laws in the 17th & 18th Centuries. During this time the religious practices of the majority Catholic population were outlawed.

Gallery

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Accessibility Rating: Easy

About 7 km west of Skull on the side of R 592 where it bends at the eastern edge of Toormore Bay. This well maintained Wedge tomb sits in a level enclosure a few meters from the road and about 30 meters from the shoreline. This monument is signposted.

Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy

About 7 km west of Skull on the side of R 592 where it bends at the eastern edge of Toormore Bay. This well maintained Wedge tomb sits in a level enclosure a few meters from the road and about 30 meters from the shoreline. This monument is signposted.

Facilities

Small Carpark

Map

Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:02

Sunset: 18:46

Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:02

Sunset: 18:46

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