Wakeman's handbook of Irish antiquitiesWakeman, W. F. (William Frederick)
History
Wakeman's handbook of Irish antiquities
Wakeman, W. F. (William Frederick)
Ireland -- Antiquities
_Labbacallee Cromlech._--This, according to Mr. Borlase, ‘the most
noted dolmen of extended form in Ireland’ lies about one and a half
miles south-east of Glanworth on the old road to Fermoy. It consists
of a double range of stones, the internal lines forming the supports
of the covering stones. The largest of the cap-stones measures 15½
feet by 9 feet, the second being partially buried in earth. The entire
measurement is estimated by Mr. Borlase to have been not less than 42
feet. The line of direction is east and west; the width of the inner
chamber is 6 feet, and it is now 5 feet high, and sinks towards the
lower end.[29]
* * * * *
_Monasterboice Cromlech._--This fine monument lies about three-quarters
of a mile to the north-east of the old graveyard of Monasterboice, and
is known as ‘Calliagh Dirra’s House.’ It is called by the peasantry the
‘House or Tomb of Calliagh Vera, or Birra,’ a mythic witch, whose name
is associated with several wild legends referring to the mysterious
cairns and other antiquities remaining upon the hills of Loughcrew,
near Oldcastle. The work has been considered by some to be of the
free-standing order; but Du Noyer says it must have been covered by
a tumulus: it is roughly oblong in form, extending exactly east and
west, showing the wedge-shaped plan, and measuring, internally, 12
feet 6 inches in length, by 4 feet at one end, and 3 feet at the
other, in breadth. The north and south walls consist each of five large
flagstones; four flagstones form the covering, and each end is closed
by a slab. The stones forming the walls stand on edge, and some of
these have supplemental stones and buttresses.
* * * * *
_The Greenmount Chamber_ is about five miles further to the north,
near Castlebellingham. Here, in 1870, General Lefroy opened an earthen
mound, which was found to contain a chamber, the measurements of which
were 21½ feet by 3 feet 4 inches, the height being 5 feet. The roof was
formed of eight large flagstones. From the foundation to the top of the
mound was 23 feet. Ashes, burnt bones, charcoal, and teeth of hogs and
cattle were found. A bronze celt and plate, with runic character on one
side, and elaborate interlaced pattern on the other, were found in the
tumulus.
* * * * *
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