"A fascinating insight into Ireland's ancient burial sites" - Irish Independent
Loughcrew cairns are located 40 kilometres from Newgrange, situated
on three hill summits near the town of Oldcastle, Co. Meath.
The hills, known collectively as "Sliabh na Caillighe",
or the "Mountain
of the Witch" and sometimes "The Storied Hills",
are individually called Carnbane
East and Patrickstown. The highest of these peaks reaches
over 900 feet above sea level. They are probably older than Newgrange,
dating to between 3500 and 3300 BC, and many contain astronomical
symbolism like that at Brú na Bóinne.
stones - exclusive pictures from inside Cairn T and Cairn
L, including the 'equinox stone', plus the ceiling of the end
recess of Cairn T, which may feature one of the earliest known
maps of the heavens.
T - lots of photographs and information about this well
known cairn, including the passage and chamber carvings, a photo
of the Hag's Chair, and information about archaeology at Loughcrew.
U - photos of some highly decorated stones at this small cairn
which is located right beside Cairn T on the peak of Carnbane
East in Loughcrew. UPDATED
Equinox 2005: On a clear equinox morning, the sun shines into
Cairn T at Loughcrew and illuminates the rear chamberstone. Inclement
weather meant the 2005 event was missed, but the conditions made
for some interesting photography.
Spring Equinox 2008: A fantastically bright and clear morning made for a very enjoyable Spring Equinox at Cairn T on March 22nd, 2008. Some very nice images in this gallery. NEW
Mountains panorama: On a clear day, the Dublin Mountains, which lie some 50 miles to the southeast of Loughcrew, are visible. So also are mountains in Leitrim and Cavan, over 40 miles to the northwest. See the panoramic mountain view to the northwest here. NEW
Aerial photos: A Mythical Ireland exclusive- aerial photographs of the cairns at Loughcrew - and some of the other monuments in the area. NEW