Direction Ireland

Lough Gur Wedge Tomb

West Ireland | County Limerick

Lough Gur Wedge Tomb (also known as Giant's Grave) is located just 1 km off the road R 512 (Limerick-Kilmallock), near village of Holycross in County Limerick (in Holycross take the left turn onto the road signposted to Lough Gur, just after the pub). After about a 1 km you will see the grave on your right hand side.

This is well preserved, large wedge tomb dating from late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (the Neolithic-Bronze Age transition is also called "Beaker Period", 2500 BC to 2000 BC). The monument consists of a long megalithic structure with no definite evidence of covering cairn. The main chamber is roughly rectangular shape covered by large cupstones, and its hight lowers significantly towards the end. The small chamber (portico) is situated at the front and a large septal stone separates it from the main chamber.

Several burials were found both within the main chamber, and in the smaller one. The shreds of Neolithic and Beaker pottery, three hearths, some animal bones were also discovered during the excavations. The remains were radiocarbon dated between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, suggesting that the site was in use for several centuries. About 2m from the tomb the young ox burial was found. All of its bones are present and articulated which suggest that animal was sacrificed and buried without being eaten.

• OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
  • Freely accessible
• CAR PARK :
  • Roadside