Gartnanoul facts for kids
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Gort na nAbhall
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 Location in Ireland
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| Location | Killykeen, County Cavan, Ireland |
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| Coordinates | 54°00′39″N 7°29′29″W / 54.0108°N 7.4914°W |
| Type | Court tomb |
| Length | 28m (92ft) |
| Width | 8m (26ft) |
| History | |
| Material | Stone |
| Periods | Megalithic |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | Public |
| Designation | National Monument |
Gartnanoul is a very old and special place in Killykeen Forest Park, County Cavan, Ireland. It is a type of ancient burial site called a megalithic court tomb. "Megalithic" means it was built using very large stones. These tombs were used by people thousands of years ago. Gartnanoul is unique because it has two tombs lined up together, each with its own open area, or "court."
Contents
What is a Court Tomb?
A court tomb is an ancient monument built from large stones. It usually has a central open area, like a courtyard, at the front. This court leads into one or more burial chambers. People in ancient times used these chambers to bury their dead. These tombs were often covered with a mound of smaller stones and earth, called a cairn. Gartnanoul is a great example of this kind of ancient structure.
Gartnanoul's Design
Gartnanoul is known as a "dual-tomb." This means it has two separate burial areas. Both tombs are placed in a straight line, one after the other. Each tomb has its own court area. This design is quite special and makes Gartnanoul stand out from other court tombs. When it was first built, this impressive structure was about 28 metres (92 feet) long and 8 metres (26 feet) wide. Imagine how much work it took to build something so big with just simple tools!
Exploring the Tombs
The northern part of Gartnanoul has a court that is about 3 metres (10 feet) deep and 4 metres (13 feet) wide. This open space would have been used for ceremonies or gatherings before entering the burial chambers. Even though the large roof stones are now missing, the main parts of the tomb are still in good condition. You can see many smaller stones, which are parts of the original cairn, scattered around the site.
Where is Gartnanoul Located?
Gartnanoul is found within the beautiful Killykeen Forest Park in County Cavan, Ireland. It is very close to Lough Oughter, a large and scenic lake. The park itself is a lovely place to visit, with forests and waterways. This ancient tomb is a National Monument, which means it is protected by the government because of its historical importance. It's a fascinating place to explore and learn about Ireland's ancient past.
Gallery
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View from the north tomb
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Nearby Lough Oughter
