Overview
Slievenaglasha wedge tomb crowns a limestone ridge on the western fringe of the Burren, County Clare. Dating to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age (c. 2500–2000 BC), this National Monument sits 2.7 km southeast of the village of Carran in the townland of Slievenaglasha, parish of Kilnaboy. Though heavily ruined, the site remains one of the most atmospheric prehistoric stops in the region. A single, massive wall slab – measuring roughly 3.5 metres in length – still stands on the northwest side, a stark silhouette against the wind-carved karst landscape. The opposite wall and original capstone were damaged, notably in an incident recorded in 1894, leaving a fragmented but deeply evocative reminder of Ireland’s ancient burial traditions.
History & Archaeological Context
Wedge tombs represent the final phase of megalithic tomb building in Ireland. Unlike earlier passage or court tombs, these structures are characteristically broader and higher at the western-facing entrance, tapering towards the rear. They were typically roofed with large stone slabs resting directly on the side walls. Slievenaglasha follows this classic design, originally serving as a communal burial chamber for the pastoral communities that managed the Burren’s upland pastures.
With more than thirty wedge tomb sites identified across County Clare alone, the region holds an exceptional concentration of Bronze Age monuments. Slievenaglasha’s hilltop positioning and westward orientation align with broader ritual practices of the period, where tombs were deliberately placed to command views over the territory they protected. As a designated National Monument (Reference No. 270, registered as Monument Number CL010-06423- in the national database), the site is protected under state care and maintained by the Office of Public Works.
The Legend of Glas Gaibhne
In Irish tradition, ancient monuments rarely stand without a story, and Slievenaglasha is inextricably linked to one of the Burren’s most enduring tales: the legend of the sea-green cow, Glas Gaibhne. According to folklore first recorded by John O’Donovan in 1839, the cow belonged to a smith named Lon Mac Liofa, a grotesque but highly skilled metalworker said to have three hands and one leg. The cow was miraculously fertile; her milk was believed to feed the rivers flowing down the mountain, with the “source of the seven streams” located just to the southwest of the tomb.
The legend takes a turn when a cunning hag tricks Lon by replacing the milk pail with a sieve. The cow’s abundant milk spills through the holes, dividing into seven rivulets that become the Seacht Srutha Na Taosca (the Seven Streams of Teaskagh). Grieving or angered by the waste, the cow refuses to give milk again and eventually flees the area. Local tradition holds that the wedge tomb at Slievenaglasha was originally used to house the smith’s herd.
Modern scholars view the tale as more than simple folklore. The story of a bountiful cow ruined by a sieve, paired with a three-handed industrial smith, is widely interpreted as an allegory for the environmental tensions of early historic Ireland. As iron-working expanded, the demand for charcoal led to deforestation, destabilising the Burren’s fragile soil and diverting water sources. The legend quietly preserves a memory of that ecological shift, wrapping it in the familiar language of cattle, craft, and myth.
Visiting & Access
Reaching the tomb involves a short but steady walk over open limestone country. Visitors typically park in the designated car park opposite the village shop in Carran, where public toilets are also available. From there, a well-marked footpath climbs gently for about 0.5 km to the summit. Alternatively, walkers can access the site from a minor road off the R476. The ascent takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes and offers uninterrupted views across the Burren’s distinctive pavement and distant hills.
The ground is uneven and composed of exposed limestone, which can become slick when wet. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. There are no visitor facilities at the tomb itself, so it’s worth stopping in Carran for a coffee or supplies before or after the walk. The site is completely free to visit and remains accessible year-round, though winter visitors should allow extra time for the climb and check weather conditions beforehand.
Walking & Nearby Attractions
Slievenaglasha sits within a dense network of archaeological and natural attractions, making it an excellent base for a broader exploration of west Clare. The hilltop trail connects loosely with routes used by walkers on the Burren Way, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with ringforts, souterrains, and other tombs. Just 1.3 km to the west lies Cahercommaun, a large stone fort often described as County Clare’s first industrial estate, which locals historically linked to the metalworking traditions mentioned in the Glas Gaibhne legend.
For visitors looking to extend their day, several notable sites are within easy reach:
- Aillwee Cave – A spectacular limestone cave featuring a guided tour and a birds of prey centre.
- Corcomroe Abbey – A beautifully preserved Cistercian abbey set in a peaceful valley, just a short drive away.
- Burren Visitor Centre – Located in nearby Kilfenora, this is the ideal starting point for maps, exhibits, and information on local trails.
- Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s most famous coastal attraction lies roughly 40 minutes’ drive to the west.
Dogs are generally welcome on the trail, but owners should keep them leashed to protect ground-nesting birds and respect adjacent farmland boundaries. Spring is particularly rewarding for visitors, as the limestone ridges come alive with wild bluebells, orchids, and rare alpine flora that thrive in the Burren’s unique microclimate.
Practical Information
Accessibility – The path involves a moderate climb over uneven limestone terrain. While manageable for most visitors with reasonable mobility, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Opening hours – Open year-round with no formal hours or ticketing.
Entry – Free.
Facilities – None on-site. Use the public toilets and village shop in Carran.
Coordinates – 53.017331°N, 9.051686°W
National Monument Reference – 270
As a protected state monument, Slievenaglasha is maintained by the Office of Public Works. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked path, avoid climbing on the remaining stone slab, and leave all artefacts undisturbed. The site offers a quiet, reflective pause in the Burren’s vast landscape – a place where Bronze Age craftsmanship, centuries of farming history, and enduring Irish folklore converge. Arrive early in the day to catch the low light across the limestone pavement, and allow time to explore the surrounding trails before heading back to Carran.