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Cloghanmore

Coordinates: 54°41′21″N 8°44′45″W / 54.68917°N 8.74583°W / 54.68917; -8.74583
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Cloghanmore
The tomb in 2016
LocationGlencolmcille, County Donegal, Ireland
Coordinates54°41′21″N 8°44′45″W / 54.68917°N 8.74583°W / 54.68917; -8.74583
TypeTomb
History
MaterialStone
Foundedc. 2500 BC
View of western galleries from the north. Note large capstone.

Cloghanmore (translated as "the great stone heap"[1] is a megalithic chamber tomb of the court tomb (or court cairn) type located about 8 km east from Carrick in Malin More, Glencolmcille, in County Donegal, Ireland.

Features

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Located near the head of a valley Cloghanmore consists of a double trapezoid shaped tomb that was unearthed from the peat in the 19th century.[2] The tomb is oriented east to west, with the main entrance located on the eastern end. It is a large tomb, with parallel twin galleries to either side of the entrance. There are two western galleries each divided into two chambers by jamb stones with carved ornament.[3] One of the two western galleries is topped with a large capstone. The court space measures approximately 36 X 46 ft with a single chamber on each side. Both chambers have a decorated orthostat on the right side of their entrances.[4] This configuration, with two galleries located side by side across from the entrance and looking into a central full court, is considered unusual.

References

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  1. ^ Meehan, Cary (2004). Sacred Ireland. Somerset: Gothic Image Publications. p. 111. ISBN 0 906362 43 1.
  2. ^ De Breffny, Brian (1983). Ireland: A Cultural Encyclopedia. London: Thames and Hudson. p. 149.
  3. ^ De Breffny, pg. 149.
  4. ^ Meehan, pg.112.
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