Eochy's Cairn facts for kids

Eochy's Cairn is an ancient stone mound, also known as a cairn, located in County Mayo, Ireland. It's a special place protected as a National Monument because of its historical importance. This amazing site gives us a peek into Ireland's distant past.

Where is Eochy's Cairn Located?

Eochy's Cairn sits on top of a hill. It's about 3 kilometers (or almost 2 miles) northwest of a small village called The Neale. From its elevated spot, it likely offered great views in ancient times.

Uncovering the History of Eochy's Cairn

Even though Eochy's Cairn has never been fully dug up by archaeologists, experts believe it was built a very long time ago. They think it dates back to the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. This was a time when people first started farming and building large stone structures, between 4000 and 2500 BC.

Local stories and traditions say that Eochy's Cairn is the burial place of a legendary king named Eochaid mac Eirc. He was said to be the last king of the Fir Bolg, an ancient group of people in Irish mythology. The stories claim he was buried here after a famous mythical battle called the Battle of Moytura. This battle was a big event in Irish legends, where different groups fought for control of Ireland.