Corracloona Court Tomb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corracloona Court Tomb |
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| Native name Irish: Tuama Cúirte Currach Chluana |
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| Prince Connell's Grave | |
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| Type | court cairn? |
| Location | Corracloona, Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim, Republic of Ireland |
| Elevation | 112 m (367 ft) |
| Height | 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) |
| Built | c. 2000–1500 BC |
| Official name: Corracloona Court Tomb | |
| Reference no. | 405 |
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Corracloona Court Tomb, also known as Prince Connell's Grave, is an ancient burial site. It is a special National Monument located in the northern part of County Leitrim, in the west of Ireland. This historic site gives us a peek into the lives of people from thousands of years ago.
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Where is Corracloona Court Tomb?
Corracloona Court Tomb sits on a gentle slope. From here, you can see the northern end of Lough MacNean. The tomb is about 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) southeast of a village called Kiltyclogher.
History of Prince Connell's Grave
When Was Corracloona Court Tomb Built?
Corracloona Court Tomb was built a very long time ago, around 2000 to 1500 BC. This was during the early Bronze Age, a time when people started using bronze to make tools and weapons.
The Legend of Prince Connell
Locally, this tomb is known as Prince Connell's Grave. In old Irish stories, there are a few important people named Conall. One famous person was Conall Gulban, who lived in the 5th century AD. He was a founder of a powerful family group called the Cenél Conaill.
However, another legend says Conall Gulban is buried at a different ancient site in Fenagh. It's important to remember that both Corracloona and Fenagh are thousands of years older than Conall Gulban. So, the name "Prince Connell's Grave" is likely a much later story connected to an already ancient place.
When Was the Tomb Explored?
Archaeologists first studied Corracloona Court Tomb in 1953. They carefully dug up parts of the site to learn more about its history and how it was used.
What Does Corracloona Court Tomb Look Like?
Prince Connell's Grave is usually called a court tomb. This type of tomb has a special open area, like a courtyard, at the front. Some people also think it might be a dolmen (portal tomb) or a Wedge-shaped gallery grave (wedge tomb).
Key Features of the Tomb
The tomb has a small front area, or forecourt, which is about 1.5 meters wide. Behind this, there is one main burial chamber. This chamber measures about 2 meters by 3.5 meters.
A large stone slab separates the forecourt from the burial chamber. This slab has a big hole at the bottom. This hole is sometimes called a "kennel-hole." Similar holes are found in some tombs in southern France.
Purpose of the Kennel-Hole
The "kennel-hole" might have been used for several reasons. It could have allowed people to add more burials to the chamber over time. It might also have been a way for people to speak to the spirits of the dead or to leave offerings for them. However, it is also possible that the hole was just an accidental break in the stone.
