Overview
Rathlacken Court Tomb stands half a kilometre from the small settlement of Lacken in north-west County Mayo, overlooking the Atlantic coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way. Dating to more than 5,300 years ago, the monument is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Neolithic court tomb. It forms the central point of an 8-kilometre Green Loop and an 11-kilometre Blue Loop walking circuit. These trails thread through bog, heathland, sand dunes, and historic coastal sites, offering a comprehensive exploration of the landscape. The trailhead is located at a car park beside Lacken Church, providing easy access for a half-day walk or a longer hike through the region’s ancient terrain.
History
The tomb was first recorded in the 1950s by Major Aldridge but remained largely unstudied until a systematic excavation took place between 1990 and 1997. Led by archaeologist Gretta Byrne, the project received funding from the Heritage Service (Dúchas) and was carried out on land owned by Coillte, the state forestry board. The excavation revealed a circular court backed by three finely built chambers, massive upright orthostats, and a capstone that had collapsed into the front chamber. During the dig, the capstone was lifted using reconstructed Stone Age techniques involving wooden levers and rope.
No human bones survived the acidic bog conditions, but a probable cremation deposit was found in one chamber, accompanied by pottery sherds and stone implements. Adjacent to the tomb, archaeologists identified the remains of a small Neolithic dwelling within a stone-walled enclosure. A hearthstone in the dwelling still bears a charcoal layer dating to approximately 4,600 years ago. Evidence of re-occupation during the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago, suggests the site held enduring ritual significance for local communities.
What to See & Do
The Court Tomb
Approaching the monument, visitors encounter a semi-circular court defined by a ring of standing stones. Beyond the court lie three linear chambers, each framed by large jamb stones. Most of the roof stones remain in situ, though one has shifted to the side of the cairn. A thin door-stone leans against an entrance jamb, providing a rare example of original entrance architecture. The interior floor is water-logged, a condition that has helped preserve the structure for millennia but also limits access to the chambers.
Walking Trails
The Rathlacken trails are marked with coloured fingerposts and offer two distinct routes starting from the Lacken Church car park.
| Loop | Length | Difficulty | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Loop | 8 km | Moderate | 2.5 hours |
| Blue Loop | 11 km | Hard | 3 hours |
The Green Loop follows quieter paved and bog roads, making it suitable for a steady walk. The Blue Loop adds three kilometres of rugged tracks that climb to Conaghrá, the highest point on the route. From Conaghrá, the view extends across Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal, including the peaks of Seefin and Sralagagh, and the ancient Céide Fields in the distance.
Trail Highlights
The routes pass several points of historical and natural interest:
- Lacken Strand: A sheltered inlet designated as a Special Area of Conservation, featuring salt-marsh habitat for curlews, lapwings, and golden plovers.
- Lacken Pier: A 19th-century pier with a monument erected in 1977 to commemorate nine local fishermen who drowned here in 1927.
- The Gazebo: Built in 1794 by Sir John Palmer, this rough-stone structure was once a gentry picnic spot and served as a navigational aid for sailors.
- Castlelackan Demesne: The ruins of a castle dating to 1585, later owned by the Palmer family until 1916.
- Cillín: A traditional burial ground for unbaptised children, possibly situated on the site of an earlier cashel.
The landscape is dotted with stone walls, cairns, standing stones, and house structures, illustrating continuous human activity from the Neolithic era through medieval times to the present.
Practical Information
Access to Rathlacken Court Tomb and the surrounding trails is free. The site is open daily with no formal opening hours, though visitors should note that the ground can become muddy after heavy rain, particularly in the bog sections near the tomb. Coillte owns the land and permits public entry year-round.
A small car park is available at the trailhead beside Lacken Church. The trail is marked with green and blue fingerposts to guide walkers. Both loops are suitable for mountain biking, though the steeper sections of the Blue Loop are best attempted by experienced cyclists. GPX files for the routes are available for download on the official Mayo Trails website.
Stepping stones have been installed across the soft ground near the tomb enclosure to help visitors keep their feet dry. The site is wheelchair-accessible only from the car park to the short approach path; the interior chambers are not accessible due to the uneven stonework and water-logged floor.
For those interested in the archaeological background, detailed excavation reports are available online:
Getting There
By car: The most direct route is via the R310 regional road. From Ballina, follow signs for Lacken and turn onto the local road leading to the Lacken Church car park. The drive takes approximately 35 minutes.
Public transport: Bus Éireann services run between Ballina and Crossmolina. The closest stop is in Crossmolina, about 8 km from the tomb. From there, visitors can take a local taxi or hike along the R310 to reach the site. Timetables should be checked in advance, as weekend services may be limited.
Cycling: The Green Loop is suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes. The Blue Loop’s steeper and rougher sections are recommended for experienced mountain bikers only.
Seasonal Advice
The trails are usable year-round, but the boggy sections can become very soft during winter and early spring. Waterproof boots and gaiters are highly recommended. Summer offers the most reliable footing and longer daylight hours, making it the ideal season for tackling the longer Blue Loop.
Nearby Attractions
Rathlacken Court Tomb can be combined with other historic and natural sites in north Mayo for a full day of exploration.
- Ballycroy National Park: Located a short drive north, this wilderness area features boardwalk walks, wildlife spotting, and dramatic Atlantic views.
- Bangor Trail: A challenging coastal walk that traverses the cliffs of north-west Mayo, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Achill Island: Known for its sea cliffs, sandy beaches, and the historic Deserted Village, Achill is a short drive from the trailhead.
The stepping stones across the bog near the tomb entrance provide a dry path to inspect the water-logged chambers up close, offering a tangible connection to the Neolithic builders who shaped this landscape thousands of years ago.