Overview
Moytirra East Court Tomb, widely known in local folklore as the Giant’s Grave, is a well-preserved Neolithic court cairn located in a quiet field west of Ballyfarnon. Dating to between 4000 and 2500 BC, this National Monument represents one of the earliest forms of communal burial architecture in Ireland. As a court cairn – a monument type found almost exclusively along the west coast of Ireland – it offers a direct connection to the island’s first farming communities. The site sits on private land but remains freely accessible to the public, making it a peaceful stop for visitors exploring the prehistoric landscape of County Sligo.
Historical Context & Local Legend
Court cairns were constructed by Neolithic groups who transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture. These monuments served as communal spaces for ritual, burial, and possibly seasonal gatherings. Moytirra East is part of a broader network of ancient sites in the area, sitting within sight of other megalithic complexes and scattered across the drumlin terrain that characterises this part of Sligo.
Local tradition attaches the name Giant’s Grave to the tomb, linking it to the legendary Battle of Moytura (Cath Maige Tuired). According to Irish mythology, this was the climactic conflict between the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians, fought on the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Arrow. While the stones predate the myth by millennia, the association reflects how later generations wove Ireland’s ancient landscape into their oral histories. The name also hints at the sheer scale of the original structure, which would have appeared monumental to early visitors.
What to See
The tomb retains much of its original layout, allowing visitors to walk the perimeter and trace the architectural intentions of its builders:
- The U-shaped court: This open, semi-circular space formed the ceremonial entrance to the monument. Originally enclosed by a double row of stones, it now appears as a single curved line due to centuries of agricultural activity.
- The gallery and chambers: Behind the court lies a narrow, rectangular passage divided by upright jamb stones into four distinct chambers. These compartments would have held the remains of the community’s dead, likely covered by a mound of earth and stone that has since eroded.
- Stone arrangement: Approximately 27 stones remain in situ. Twenty-two form the main structure, two flank the court like outstretched arms, and three stand as isolated outliers. The monument stretches roughly 14 metres in length and 2.4 metres in width.
- Archaeological alignment: Survey records note that the court faces north-east at a 30° angle, while two deliberate hole stones align on a 225° west bearing. Such precise orientations are common in Neolithic architecture, often tied to solar or lunar cycles, though the exact purpose here remains a subject of study.
- On-site information: A metal information sheet is fixed to the iron gate at the entrance, providing a concise overview of the tomb’s history, construction, and archaeological context.
Getting There
The site is located approximately 2 km east of Lough Arrow, near the townlands of Castlebaldwin and Carrowkeel. From the N4, turn off at Ballyfarnon onto the local road heading toward Highwood. Pass the first house on the right, and you will find a small lay-by and an iron gate leading into the field. The tomb is visible immediately upon entering. The route is well-signposted from the main road, and the short walk from the gate to the stones is level and straightforward.
GPS coordinates: 54.0760, -8.2834
Irish Grid Reference: G 81469 14103
Elevation: 149 m above sea level
Visiting Tips
- Footwear: The field is unmade and can become waterlogged after rain. Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes are recommended, especially in autumn and winter.
- Time needed: Allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk the full circuit, read the information panel, and take photographs.
- Best light: Early morning or late afternoon provides softer, directional light that highlights the texture and arrangement of the stones.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome. The open field gives them room to stretch, but keep them under control to avoid disturbing the site.
- Seasonal access: During peak summer months, grass growth can reach up to 80 cm, partially obscuring the lower stones. A quick walk along the perimeter is usually sufficient to locate the main features.
- Weather preparation: The site sits on open ground with little shelter. A windproof layer is advisable, particularly in spring and autumn when conditions can shift quickly.
Nearby Attractions
- Carrowkeel – A larger and more complex collection of passage tombs located a short drive away, famous for its winter solstice alignment.
- Castlebaldwin – A historic village with a ruined castle, art gallery, and several other prehistoric sites in the surrounding townlands.
- Kilronan – A 15th-century tower house standing near Lough Arrow, offering a later chapter in the area’s layered history.
Practical Information
Moytirra East Court Tomb is free to visit and open year-round. There are no staff, ticket booths, or formal opening hours. Access is via a public right-of-way through the iron gate at the roadside. Parking is available along the minor road adjacent to the field.
Because the monument is unstaffed and located in active farmland, visitors are asked to stay on the established path, avoid moving stones, and ensure gates are left securely closed behind them. The information sheet beside the gate provides all necessary context for a short visit. For those mapping a longer day in the area, combining this stop with the Carrowkeel complex and the lakeshore walks around Lough Arrow creates a well-rounded itinerary covering thousands of years of Irish history.