Carbad More Court Tomb

Overview

Carbad More (Irish: Carbad Mór) is a double court cairn – a rare type of Neolithic tomb – that sits in a quiet field about 3 km north‑west of the coastal village of Killala, County Mayo. Designated as National Monument No 631, the site consists of two almost‑circular courts, each opening onto its own segmented gallery. The main axis of the monument runs roughly north‑east to south‑west, and the larger of the two courts measures about 7.6 m (≈ 25 ft) in diameter.

The tomb is part of a dense concentration of prehistoric monuments that dot north‑west Mayo, ranging from wedge‑tombs to standing stones. Its remote, pastoral setting makes it an evocative stop for anyone tracing the ancient landscape of the Irish west coast.

History and Significance

The double court cairn dates to the Neolithic period, roughly between 4000 BC and 2500 BC, when communities across Ireland were erecting stone burial monuments. Archaeologists interpret the twin courts as originally independent structures that were later linked by a back‑to‑back gallery, a layout that is uncommon even among Irish court‑tombs.

Both cairns have lost most of their original stone covering; only the stone outlines of the courts and the fragmented galleries survive. The western (south‑west) court retains a near‑complete arc of stones, including a pair of entrance jambs and a solitary upright opposite the portal – possibly a former flank stone. The eastern (north‑east) court is more damaged, bisected by a modern farm track and missing several stones.

The site was formally recorded in the 1960s and entered the State Care list as National Monument No 631. Recent visitor logs note that a second track now runs between the two back‑to‑back galleries, further threatening the integrity of the monument.

Getting There

By car – From Killala, follow the R314 north for about 2 km, then turn left onto the minor road that leads to the farm gate marked by a metal post. A short grass track (approximately 200 m) leads to the tomb. The gate is unlocked during daylight hours.

Parking – Free parking is available in Killala village (near the harbour) and at the roadside lay‑by opposite the gate. The lay‑by is a simple gravel space; there are no facilities on site.

Public transport – The nearest bus stop is in Killala. From there, a local taxi or a short walk (about 3 km) is required; there is no regular public transport directly to the site.

Visiting Tips

• Footwear: Sturdy boots or walking shoes are essential – the galleries are overgrown and the ground can be uneven.
• Navigation: Bring a printed Ordnance Survey map (sheet 24) or load the GPS coordinates (54.236656 N, 9.256804 W) into a smartphone.
• Vegetation: Summer months see thick growth in the galleries; early spring or late autumn often offers clearer views.
• Livestock: The field is active farmland – keep dogs on a lead and watch for grazing animals.
• Respect the site: No signage is present, but the monument is a protected National Monument. Stay on the grass track and avoid moving stones.

What to See & Do

The Twin Courts

Approach the site from the minor road off the R314 that runs north of Killala. The western (south‑west) court is the better‑preserved of the pair. Its stone ring is still discernible, with a cluster of ten stones forming the portal entrance. A solitary upright stone stands opposite the entrance, possibly a former flank stone.

The eastern (north‑east) court is more fragmented. A modern track bisects the court, and several of the original stones have been removed or buried. Nevertheless, the basic circular layout can still be traced on the ground.

The Galleries

Both galleries are now overgrown with thick vegetation, making detailed inspection difficult without a careful walk‑through. The western gallery retains a clear side‑wall structure, though the rear wall of the rear chamber has collapsed. The eastern gallery shows similar segmentation, with two jambs dividing the space into chambers, but the rear wall is missing. A pair of perpendicular stones on the north‑west side of each gallery may be surviving buttress stones.

Conservation

The site suffers from two main pressures: the modern farm track that cuts straight through the eastern court, and a second track that now runs between the two back‑to‑back galleries. Visitor logs on the Megalithic Portal describe the need for vegetation clearance and better protection to preserve the remaining stone settings. The monument is listed as a National Monument, meaning any work requires consent from the National Monuments Service.

Practical Information

Carbad More is free to visit and does not have a formal visitor centre, ticket office, or opening hours. The site is accessible via a short, unpaved track that leads from the R314; a metal gate marks the entrance. According to the Megalithic Portal rating, access is rated 4 out of 5 – the tomb can be driven to and is likely reachable by most standard vehicles, though the final approach is on grass.

Because the galleries are covered in dense vegetation, visitors should be prepared for limited visibility and bring a sturdy pair of boots if they wish to explore the stone settings up close. There is no on‑site signage, so a printed map (Ordnance Survey sheet 24) or a GPS coordinate (54.236656 N, 9.256804 W) is advisable.

For further reading, see the Wikipedia entry on Carbad More and the detailed record on the Megalithic Portal. The North Mayo tourism website also mentions the tomb as part of a suggested drive from Killala.

Further Exploration

If you have time, consider extending your visit to the surrounding archaeological landscape:

These sites can be combined into a half‑day itinerary that showcases the depth of Mayo’s prehistoric heritage.

Plan your route using a GPS or the RouteYou planner (search for “Carbad More” to add it to your custom map). The nearest town, Killala, offers parking, a café, and information points for tourists exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.