Overview
Rathlacken Court Tomb sits half a kilometre from the tiny settlement of Lacken in north‑west County Mayo, overlooking the rugged Atlantic coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way. The monument is an exceptionally well‑preserved court tomb, dating to before 5,300 years ago, and forms the focal point of an 8‑km (Green Loop) and 11‑km (Blue Loop) walking circuit that threads through bog, heathland, sand dunes and historic coastal sites. The trailhead is a modest car‑park beside the modern Lacken Church, making the tomb easily accessible for a half‑day excursion or a longer exploration of the surrounding landscape.
History
The tomb was first recorded in the 1950s by the late Major Aldridge, but it remained largely unstudied until a systematic excavation was carried out between 1990 and 1997 under the direction of archaeologist Gretta Byrne. Funding came from the Heritage Service (Dúchas) and the site is owned by Coillte, the state‑owned forestry board, which granted permission for the work. The excavation revealed three finely built chambers set behind a circular court, massive upright orthostats, and a capstone that had collapsed into the front chamber before being lifted out using reconstructed Stone Age wooden levers and rope techniques.
No human bones survived, but a probable cremation deposit was identified in one chamber, alongside a rich assemblage of pottery sherds and stone implements. An adjoining stone‑walled enclosure contains the remains of a small Neolithic dwelling, complete with a hearthstone that still bears a charcoal layer dating to roughly 4,600 years ago. After its initial Neolithic use, the tomb was re‑occupied in the Bronze Age (c. 4,000 years ago) for further burials, illustrating the long‑term significance of the site within the local ritual landscape.
What to See & Do
The Court Tomb Itself
Approaching the monument, visitors are greeted by a semi‑circular court formed by a ring of standing stones. Beyond the court lie three linear chambers, each defined by large jamb stones. The roof stones remain in situ, though one has been shifted to the side of the cairn. A thin door‑stone, now leaning against an entrance jamb, offers a rare glimpse of the original entrance architecture. The interior is water‑logged, a reminder of the boggy environment that helped preserve the structure for millennia.
Trail Highlights
| Loop | Length | Difficulty | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Loop | 8 km | Moderate | 2.5 h |
| Blue Loop | 11 km | Hard | 3 h |
Both loops share a common start‑point at the Lacken Church car‑park and diverge after the first kilometre. The Green Loop follows quieter paved and bog roads, while the Blue Loop adds an extra 3 km of rugged tracks that climb to Conaghrá – the highest point on the route, offering panoramic views across Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, including Seefin, Sralagagh and the ancient Céide Fields.
Other points of interest along the way include:
- Lacken Strand – a sheltered inlet with a Special Area of Conservation salt‑marsh, home to curlews, lapwings and golden plovers.
- Lacken Pier – a 19th‑century pier and 1977 monument commemorating the tragic 1927 drowning of nine local fishermen.
- The Gazebo (1794) – a rough‑stone structure built by Sir John Palmer, once a gentry picnic spot with sweeping sea views that served as a navigational aid for sailors.
- Castlelackan Demesne – ruins of a 1585 castle, later owned by the Palmer family until 1916.
- Cillín – an evocative burial ground traditionally used for unbaptised children, possibly an earlier cashel.
The trail also passes a series of stone walls, cairns, standing stones and house structures that together illustrate a continuous human presence from the Neolithic through medieval times to the present day.
Practical Information
The Rathlacken Court Tomb Trail is free to access; there is no admission charge for the tomb or the surrounding walk. Parking is available at the designated car‑park beside Lacken Church, and the site is owned by Coillte, which permits public entry year‑round. The trail is open daily, with no formal opening hours, but the path can become muddy after heavy rain, especially in the bog sections near the tomb.
The trail is marked with coloured fingerposts (green for the shorter loop, blue for the longer). Both loops are suitable for walkers and mountain bikers, though the Blue Loop’s steeper sections are best tackled by experienced cyclists. The route is listed on the official Mayo Trails website and can be downloaded as a GPX file for navigation devices.
For those wishing to learn more about the archaeological research, detailed excavation reports are available online via the following links:
- Archaeological Excavations at Rathlacken (E580)
- Early Neolithic Agriculture in County Mayo (ResearchGate)
Because the tomb sits within a peat‑rich environment, the ground around the enclosure can be soft; a series of stepping stones has been installed to keep visitors’ feet dry. The site is wheelchair‑accessible only to the extent of the car‑park and the short approach path; the interior chambers are not reachable for those with limited mobility due to the water‑logged floor and uneven stonework.
Getting There
By car – The most convenient way to reach Rathlacken Court Tomb is via the R310 regional road. From Ballina, follow signs for Lacken and turn off onto the local road that leads to the Lacken Church car‑park (approximately 30 km, 35 minutes). A small, free car‑park is provided at the trailhead.
Public transport – Regular Bus Éireann services run between Ballina and the nearby village of Crossmolina; the closest stop is Crossmolina (about 8 km from the tomb). From there, a local taxi or a short hike along the R310 brings you to the site. Confirm current timetables as services may be limited on weekends.
Cycling – The Green Loop is suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes, while the Blue Loop’s steeper sections are best attempted by experienced mountain bikers.
Seasonal Advice
The trail is usable year‑round, but the boggy sections can become very soft after heavy rain, especially in winter and early spring. Waterproof boots and gaiters are recommended. Summer offers the most reliable footing and longer daylight hours for the longer Blue Loop.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballycroy National Park – Just a short drive north, this expansive wilderness area offers boardwalk walks, wildlife spotting and spectacular Atlantic views. [/ballycroy-national-park/]
- Bangor Trail – A challenging coastal walk that traverses the cliffs of north‑west Mayo, ideal for experienced hikers. [/bangor-trail/]
- Achill Island – Known for its dramatic sea cliffs, sandy beaches and the historic Deserted Village. [/achill-island/]
- Céide Fields – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest known Neolithic stone landscape in Europe, located a few kilometres inland.
These sites can be combined with the Rathlacken loops for a full‑day or multi‑day exploration of north Mayo’s rich archaeological and natural heritage.
Overall, Rathlacken Court Tomb offers a rare combination of deep pre‑historic intrigue, striking coastal scenery and a well‑maintained walking network, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers and anyone seeking an authentic slice of Mayo’s ancient landscape.