Overview
Moytirra East Court Tomb, often called the Giant’s Grave, is a Neolithic court cairn that dates from roughly 4000–2500 BC. Designated as a National Monument, the site sits in a quiet field just west of the village of Ballyfarnon and a short distance east of Lough Arrow in County Sligo. The tomb is a striking example of a court cairn – a type of megalithic monument unique to the Irish west coast – and it offers a tangible link to the island’s earliest farming communities.
Historical Context
Court cairns are among the earliest communal burial monuments in Ireland, built by Neolithic farming groups who settled the west of the island around 4000 BC. Moytirra East is part of a wider prehistoric landscape that includes the nearby Carrowkeel complex and other tombs scattered across the drumlin‑filled countryside. Local folklore ties the monument to the legendary Battle of Moytura, saying the stones mark the grave of a giant slain in that mythic conflict.
What to See & Do
- U‑shaped court – The open, U‑shaped court would have served as a ritual space. Today it appears as a semi‑circle because many outer stones have been lost.
- Four‑chamber gallery – The long, thin gallery is divided by jamb stones into several chambers; none rise much above 1 m in height.
- Stone count and layout – About 27 stones survive: 22 form the main box, two act as “arms”, and three stand as outliers. The overall length is roughly 14 m (some sources give 13 m) and the width about 2.4 m.
- Alignment – The court is oriented to the north‑east at an angle of 30°, while a pair of hole stones line up on a 225° W bearing, a feature noted in the Shee‑Eire survey.
- Interpretive information – An information sheet is mounted beside the iron gate at the entrance, summarising the tomb’s history and archaeological significance.
- Surrounding landscape – The site sits amid low, grassy fields with views toward Lough Arrow. In summer the grass can reach 80 cm, partially obscuring the stones.
Getting There
The tomb lies about 2 km east of Lough Arrow, near the townlands of Castlebaldwin and Carrowkeel. It can be reached from the N4 at Ballyfarnon:
- Turn off the N4 onto the local road to Highwood.
- Continue past the first house on the right; the gate to the site is just after that house.
- A small car park is available beside the gate.
Coordinates: 54° 04′ 34″ N, 8° 17′ 00″ W (decimal 54.0760, ‑8.2834).
Grid reference: G 81469 14103 (OS map 25/26).
Elevation: 149 m above sea level.
The site is on private land but a public right‑of‑way and a gate provide free access. The path is level and suitable for all abilities, though the ground can be soggy after rain.
Visiting Tips
- Footwear: Sturdy boots or waterproof shoes are advisable as the field can be wet and the grass tall.
- Timing: Allocate 15‑20 minutes to walk the perimeter and read the information sheet. Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light for photography.
- Weather: The area is exposed; a wind‑proof jacket is useful on cooler days.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs are permitted as the site is open countryside.
- Seasonal note: In summer the court can be hidden by tall grass; a short walk to trim a path may be needed.
Nearby Attractions
- Carrowkeel Megalithic Complex – a larger collection of court cairns a short drive away.
- Lough Arrow – scenic lake with walking routes and fishing spots.
- Castlebaldwin – a small village with a historic castle ruin.
- Ballinafad Castle – a 15th‑century tower house near the lake.
- Kilronan Castle – another medieval site worth a detour.
Practical Information
Moytirra East Court Tomb is free to visit and does not have formal opening hours; the site is accessible year‑round. Parking is available along the minor road that leads to the field; the tomb is located just after the first house on the right when you turn off the N4 at Ballyfarnon, follow signs to Highwood, and take the first right after the village. An iron gate marks the entrance, and the information sheet is positioned beside it.
Because the site is unstaffed, visitors should plan to spend 15‑20 minutes walking the perimeter, reading the information sheet, and photographing the stone layout. The field can be soggy after rain, and the grass may be tall in summer, so a sturdy pair of boots is advisable.
For those using a GPS device, the grid reference is G 81469 14103. A Google Map link is available from the local tourism sites, and the Irish Stones database provides a detailed map of the monument’s exact position.
The Moytirra East Court Tomb offers a rare glimpse into Ireland’s Neolithic past, set against the serene backdrop of County Sligo’s rolling fields. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of ancient architecture, or simply seeking a quiet spot off the beaten path, the Giant’s Grave invites you to step back over five thousand years and imagine the rituals that once echoed within its stone court.