Loughcrew Cairn T (Hag's Cairn)
Carn Bán · Sliabh na Caillí Cairn T · Hag's Cairn
Late Neolithic·Boyne / Loughcrew passage tradition·🇮🇪 County Meath, Leinster, Ireland
About
About Loughcrew Cairn T (Hag's Cairn)
Principal passage tomb of 30-cairn Sliabh na Caillí (Loughcrew) cemetery on hilltop near Oldcastle: massive 35 m diameter cairn with 5 m passage to cruciform chamber (3.7 m) whose backstone bears extensive megalithic art — spirals, lozenges and radiating sun motifs — illuminated by equinox sunrise through passage (similar to Newgrange solstice but at equinox). Built c.3100 BCE Boyne tradition. Decorated orthostats and sill stones. Excavated 1863? Conservative but unrestored compared to Boyne.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Equinox alignment intentional vs topographic coincidence
Theories
- 01Seasonal gathering focus for Boyne hinterland agrarian ritual
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3100 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic
- Culture
- Boyne / Loughcrew passage tradition
- Purpose
- Hilltop passage tomb with equinox solar alignment
- Abandoned
- Bronze Age
- Rediscovered
- Excavated 1860s Conwell; preserved as National Monument
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3100 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1120 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
53.7410° N · 7.1080° W · 275 m · 2 mapped features
Equinox-illuminated backstone
decorated stoneChamber backstone with sun art lit at vernal and autumnal equinox
53.7410° N · 7.1080° WCruciform chamber
chamber5 m passage to three recesses with art
53.7410° N · 7.1080° W
Gallery