An Seanphobal - History - 'Caileach Bhearra' Megalithic Tomb

'Caileach Bhearra' Megalithic Tomb

The late Neolithic or early Bronze Age court cairn at the Ballynamona towns-land of An tSean Phobail is the only example of its kind in the south-east. The site is marked 'dolmen' on the Ordnance Survey map, and is known locally as 'Cailleach Bhearra'. It is located about 1.5 km (1 mile) north of the lighthouse and about 100 m (~100 yards) from the cliff edge. This type of megalithic tomb is usually found north of a line between Clew Bay and Dundalk. The tomb at Ballynamona is a court cairn and is the only example of its kind in the southeast. This type is usually found north of a line between Clew Bay in the west and Dundalk in the east. It would have been constructed by a tribal group and an immense amount of social organisation was required in its building. There would have been many burials in the grave. The bodies were burnt and the cremated bones were placed in the burial chambers sometimes with pottery, beads and stone and bone, and tools for use in the next life. Although the Ballynamona Court Cairn is neither spectacular nor large, its importance cannot be overlooked. It is known to date from 2000 B.C. during the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. It is clear evidence of the early settlement of Old Parish by a developed, agricultural society. The views of the Waterford and Wexford coastlines along with the vast Celtic Sea southwards from this site answer answer any questions one would have as to why the earliest known settlers of An tSean Phobail chose this location. It was excavated in May 1938 by a team led from the Office of Public Works in collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland.