Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb |
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| Native name Irish: Tuama Dingeach Cheathrú an Lisín |
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| Diarmuid and Gráinne's Bed | |
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| Type | wedge-shaped gallery grave |
| Location | Carrownlisheen, Inishmaan, County Galway, Ireland |
| Built | c. 4000–2500 BC |
| Official name: Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb | |
| Reference no. | 42 |
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The Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb is a very old stone structure found on Inishmaan island in Ireland. It is a special type of ancient burial place called a wedge-shaped gallery grave. This tomb is also known as a National Monument of Ireland, which means it is protected because of its historical importance.
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What is Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb?
Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb is a large stone monument built thousands of years ago. It was likely used as a burial site for people from the Stone Age. These tombs are called "wedge" tombs because they are wider and taller at the front and get narrower and lower towards the back, like a wedge.
Where is This Ancient Tomb?
You can find the Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb on the eastern side of Inishmaan. Inishmaan is one of the three Aran Islands, which are located off the coast of County Galway in western Ireland. The tomb sits in a low-lying area of the island.
How Old is This Monument?
This amazing tomb was built a very long time ago, between 4000 and 2500 BC. That means it is between 6,000 and 4,500 years old! It was constructed during the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. People at that time used large stones to create these impressive structures.
What is a Wedge Tomb?
A wedge tomb is a type of megalithic tomb. "Megalithic" means "made of large stones." These tombs were built by early farming communities in Ireland. They usually have a long, narrow main chamber, or "gallery," covered by large capstones. The entrance often faces west or southwest. These tombs were used for burying people, and sometimes many individuals were buried in the same tomb over time.
The Legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne
The Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb is also known by another name: "Diarmuid and Gráinne's Bed." This name comes from an old Irish legend. The story tells of a warrior named Diarmuid and a princess named Gráinne. They ran away together and were chased across Ireland by Gráinne's angry fiancé, Fionn mac Cumhaill. According to the legend, they slept in many stone tombs like this one during their escape. This adds a touch of magic and storytelling to the ancient monument.
