Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery is a prehistoric site located in County Sligo, Ireland. It is one of the oldest and most important passage tomb cemeteries in Ireland. The cemetery consists of fourteen passage tombs built between 3400 and 3100 BC, during the Neolithic period. This site forms part of the wider Bricklieve Mountains complex, which includes other tombs and ancient structures.
Get your dose of History via Email
The Passage Tombs
Each tomb in Carrowkeel is built with large stone slabs forming a central passage, which leads to a burial chamber. The tombs are classified as passage tombs because of this unique architectural feature. Archaeologists believe these tombs were used for communal burials, as human remains have been discovered inside. The main structure is typically a round or oval cairn of stones, with the entrance oriented towards significant celestial events such as the solstice.
Excavations and Discoveries
In 1911, Robert Alexander Stewart Macalister led the first scientific excavation of the site. Alongside Robert Lloyd Praeger and Edmund Clarence Richard Armstrong, Macalister unearthed the remains of over 30 individuals. Their findings also included cremated bones, suggesting complex burial rituals. The team discovered artifacts such as pottery and stone tools, which confirmed the Neolithic age of the site.
The excavation of the Carrowkeel tombs also revealed that the interior design of the tombs was intended to be precise. One tomb, known as Cairn G, shows an alignment with the setting sun during the summer solstice. This suggests the builders had a strong understanding of astronomy.
Structure and Layout
The layout of Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery follows the typical design of Irish passage tomb cemeteries. The tombs are scattered across the rugged landscape, with some grouped together. Each tomb is constructed with a central passage leading to a chamber. The chambers are generally corbelled, using large stones stacked inward to create a dome shape.
The most well-known tombs at Carrowkeel are Cairn G, Cairn K, and Cairn H. These larger structures show more complex designs than others in the cemetery. Cairn G, for instance, has an internal stone basin, which may have been used in burial rites or as a focal point for offerings.
Cultural Significance
Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery holds great significance for understanding Ireland’s ancient past. The Neolithic builders of Carrowkeel left behind no written records, but their impressive constructions give insight into their social and religious practices. The alignment of the tombs with astronomical events suggests a deep connection between the builders and the natural world.
The cemetery is one of several important megalithic sites in Ireland, and it plays a critical role in studies of Neolithic culture. Along with nearby sites like Carrowmore and Newgrange, Carrowkeel helps archaeologists understand burial customs, social structures, and the technological capabilities of the time.
Preservation and Access
Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery is open to the public, but it remains a protected site. Conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure the tombs remain intact. While there are no visitor centers at the site, informational signage is available. Visitors must follow guidelines to protect the ancient structures.
Conclusion
Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery is an important site for understanding the Neolithic period in Ireland. The design and layout of its passage tombs provide valuable information on ancient burial practices and beliefs. The site’s alignment with celestial events adds another layer of complexity to its significance. Continued archaeological study and preservation efforts ensure that Carrowkeel remains a key site for understanding prehistoric Ireland.
Source:
Neural Pathways is a collective of seasoned experts and researchers with a profound passion for unraveling the enigmas of ancient history and artifacts. With a wealth of combined experience spanning decades, Neural Pathways has established itself as a leading voice in the realm of archaeological exploration and interpretation.