Archaeology

Cairns are mounds of stone, usually representing burial sites and often date back to the Bronze Age. There is strong evidence that Cairns may cover chambered burials. This archaeology site has good economic and tourist interest and its location is of national importance with these monuments being registered and protected by ‘Duchas’, the heritage protection body of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The occurrence of a number of monuments on the site emphasises the importance of Loughanleagh mountain to people through the ages. It has not yet been investigated whether there is a connection in archaeological terms, between Loughanleagh and other sites of north Meath/South Cavan. Some researchers believe that the site has strong links with other Neolithic sites located at Loughcrew, Tara and Newgrange.

Cairns on the Loughanleagh Mountain Range

Moyer Cairn, OD 1119. National Monuments Service Register CV034-041

Situated at the highest point of the mountain range. This is a large, well-preserved circular Cairn of small and medium stones (diam. At base 17.8m). It ranges in height from 1.1m at NNE to 1.85m at S. The lower portions are partially obscured by heather. The Cairn was probably originally flat-topped (diam. of top 9.9m). Centrally positioned is a triangulation station (1119 ft.) surrounded by a small pile of stones. Recently some trial-holes have been dug into the top of the Cairn, presumably by treasure-hunters.

Corraweelis Cairn, OD 1000, (Marked by Duchas),National Monuments Service Register CV034-058

Situated on the second highest hill in the Loughanleagh range,  this cairn  affords panoramic views in all directions except the  north east and is a large, well-preserved, circular cairn of medium and large stones (diam. at base 16m.). The lower portions are partially obscured by heather. It was probably originally dome-shaped in profile and presently ranges in height from 0.9m at NNE to 1.8m at SE. Recently some trial-holes have been dug into the top of the cairn, presumably by treasure-hunters. From S-SW-W the perimeter has been destroyed where modern post-and-wire fences truncate the perimeter. Bordering the site from W-N-NNE is a modern plantation of young coniferous trees. There is a large telecommunications mast 15m S.

Mohercom Cairn, OD 1000-1029, National Monuments Service Register CV034-057 

Situated on a south east facing slope a short distance below a prominent peak in rough, mountainous terrain. Relatively well-preserved, circular cairn (diam. At base 11m), it ranges in height from 0.4m at SE to 1.1m at NW. It is relatively flat-topped (diam. of top 7.4m) and offers panoramic views of the east. Three large holes have been dug into the top of the cairn presumably by treasure-hunters.