Slievenaglasha Wedge Tomb

Overview

Slievenaglasha wedge tomb is a wedge‑shaped gallery grave and designated National Monument that crowns a hill on the western fringe of the Burren, County Clare. The monument lies 2.7 km southeast of the village of Carran, within the townland of Slievenaglasha in the parish of Kilnaboy. Its remote position on a limestone ridge provides expansive views over the karst landscape, making it a compelling stop for anyone exploring the Burren’s prehistoric scenery.

History

Wedge tombs of this type were erected across Ireland during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, roughly between 2500 BC and 2000 BC. They are typically broader and higher at the front, which faces west, and are roofed by large stone slabs laid directly on the side‑walls. Slievenaglasha belongs to this tradition, serving as a communal burial place for the people who inhabited the Burren’s upland pastures. The original structure would have comprised a long gallery flanked by a massive stone wall slab on the northwest side and a capstone that once covered the burial chamber. By the late 19th century the tomb had already suffered damage; an 1894 incident further compromised the opposite wall and the capstone, leaving only the huge wall slab standing today.

Archaeological Significance

The Clare County Library records that wedge tombs are the final phase of megalithic tomb building in Ireland, dating from 2,500 BC to 2,000 BC. Slievenaglasha is listed among more than thirty wedge‑tomb sites identified across the county, highlighting the Burren’s concentration of Bronze‑Age burial monuments. Its orientation to the west and the surviving wall slab make it a textbook example of the type, valuable for both scholars and visitors interested in Ireland’s prehistoric landscape.

Legend

The site is inseparably linked to one of the Burren’s most celebrated folktales – the story of the sea‑green cow Glas Gaibhne. According to local lore, the cow belonged to a smith named Lon Mac Liofa (or Lon Mac Liomtha). The animal’s milk was said to feed the rivers that flow down the mountain, a “source of the seven streams” located to the southwest of the tomb. A cunning hag, however, replaced the milk‑pail with a sieve, causing the milk to spill into seven rivulets that became the present‑day Seacht Srutha Na Taosca. The cow either died of grief or fled the area, and the tomb is said to have housed the herd. The tale, recorded in the 19th century by John O’ Donovan, reflects the deep intertwining of cattle‑rearing, metal‑working and the fragile karst environment that characterise the Burren’s cultural memory.

Location & Access

The tomb is reached via a short, well‑marked footpath that starts from the main road through Carran (R476). Visitors can park in the designated car‑park beside the village shop and public toilets. From the car‑park, the trail to the summit is about 0.5 km (roughly a 10‑minute walk) with a gentle but steady ascent over limestone grassland. The path is unpaved and can be slippery in wet weather, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The site is open year‑round and free of charge.

Conservation and Management

Slievenaglasha wedge tomb is a protected National Monument under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). It appears on the official OPW register of State‑care monuments, as confirmed by the Oireachtas parliamentary answer of February 2019. The OPW undertakes routine maintenance and works to keep the site safe for public access while preserving its archaeological integrity. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked path, avoid climbing on the stones and refrain from removing any artefacts.

Walking & Nearby Attractions

The tomb sits on a network of marked trails that form part of the broader Burren Way. Hikers can continue northwards to the stone fort of Cahercommaun or head south towards the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Burren Uplands. For a longer day‑trip, consider combining the visit with:

• Aillwee Cave – a spectacular limestone cave with a birds of prey centre (Aillwee Cave).
• Corcomroe Abbey – the well‑preserved Cistercian abbey set in a tranquil valley (Corcomroe Abbey).
• Burren Way – the long‑distance walking route that passes close to Carran, offering further opportunities to explore the karst landscape.

The area is popular with photographers, especially in spring when wildflowers carpet the ridge and the low‑lying clouds create dramatic light. Dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but owners should keep them on a leash to protect ground‑nesting birds and respect any private farmland boundaries.

Visiting Tips

• Parking – The nearest car‑park is opposite the Carran village shop; it provides a short walk to the trailhead.
• Footwear – The limestone ground can be uneven and slippery after rain; sturdy, waterproof shoes are advisable.
• Timing – Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photography and tends to be quieter.
• Seasonal interest – In spring the ridge is dotted with bluebells and other wildflowers; in autumn the limestone glows with golden light.
• Facilities – No visitor facilities exist on‑site; use the café and public toilets in Carran.
• Accessibility – The path involves a modest ascent on uneven ground, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users but manageable for most able‑bodied visitors.

Practical Information

Slievenaglasha wedge tomb is free to visit and does not have formal opening hours; the site is open year‑round. As a National Monument, it is maintained by the Office of Public Works, but there are no visitor facilities on‑site. The most convenient way to reach the tomb is by car to the Carran area, followed by a short walk up the hill. Parking is available in the village of Carran, and the final approach is a well‑marked trail of moderate length.

Accessibility – The hilltop path includes uneven limestone ground and a modest ascent, making it suitable for visitors with reasonable mobility but not fully wheelchair‑accessible.

Nearby amenities – Carran offers a small selection of cafés and public restrooms. For those wishing to extend their day, the Burren’s visitor centre in Kilfenora and the Cliffs of Moher are within a short driving distance.

Visiting Slievenaglasha offers a rare combination of archaeological intrigue, mythic storytelling, and the stark beauty of the Burren’s limestone landscape. Whether you are an archaeology enthusiast, a folklore lover, or simply a traveller seeking a quiet spot with panoramic views, the wedge tomb provides a tangible link to Ireland’s deep past.

Further reading: For more detailed archaeological data, see the entry on Wikipedia and the Clare County Library’s folklore page on Glas Gaibhne.