List of national monuments in County Sligo facts for kids

Did you know that County Sligo in Ireland is home to many amazing old places? These special spots are called national monuments. The Irish government officially protects them because they are super important to the country's history. Think of them as ancient treasures! Sometimes, the land around these monuments is also protected to keep them safe.

Exploring Sligo's Ancient Treasures

Sligo is full of incredible historical sites, from old castles to mysterious tombs and ancient churches. Let's take a look at some of these protected places.

Ballinafad Castle

Ballinafad Castle in County Sligo.

Located in Ballinafad, this old castle stands as a reminder of times long past. Castles like this were once important strongholds.

Ballymote Castle

Ballymote Castle, a large fortress.

Found in Ballymote, this is another impressive castle. It's a great example of medieval architecture in Sligo.

Cabragh Wedge Tomb (The Giant's Grave)

This ancient burial site, known as a wedge tomb, is located in Cabragh. It's sometimes called "The Giant's Grave" because of its large size.

Carns Cairn

A cairn is a pile of stones, often built as a monument or marker. This one is in Carns and holds historical importance.

Carricknagat Megalithic Tombs

In Carricknagat, you can find these megalithic tombs. "Megalithic" means they are made from very large stones, built by people long ago.

Carrowkeel Passage Tomb Cemetery

One of the ancient tombs at Carrowkeel.

This amazing site in Carrowkeel is a cemetery filled with passage tombs. These tombs have a long passage leading to a burial chamber.

Carrowmore Passage Tomb Cemetery

A view of a tomb at Carrowmore.

Carrowmore is home to one of the largest and most important collections of megalithic tombs in Ireland. It includes stone circles, ring barrows, and passage tombs. It's a huge ancient burial ground.

Carrowreagh Court Tomb

This court tomb is located in Carrowreagh. Court tombs are ancient burial sites with an open courtyard area at the front.

Cashelmore (Clogher Stone Fort)

In Clogher, you'll find Cashelmore, also known as Clogher Stone Fort. A cashel is an ancient stone fort or enclosure.

Cashelore (Cashel Bir, Bawnboy)

Another cashel, or stone fort, is found in Castleore. These structures were important for protection in ancient times.

Castlebaldwin Castle

The ruins of Castlebaldwin Castle.

This castle is located in Castlebaldwin. Like other castles, it played a role in the history of the area.

Church Island (Lough Gill)

The old church on Church Island.

On Church Island in Lough Gill, you can explore the remains of an old church. It's a peaceful and historic spot.

Creevykeel Court Tomb

The impressive Creevykeel Court Tomb.

This well-preserved court tomb is in Creevykeel. It's a fantastic example of how people buried their dead thousands of years ago.

Cummeen Court Tomb

You can find this court tomb and other cairns in Cummeen. Cairns are piles of stones, often marking ancient sites.

Drumcliffe High Crosses & Round Tower

One of the high crosses at Drumcliffe.

In Drumcliffe, there are impressive high crosses and a round tower. High crosses are tall, stone crosses with carvings, and round towers were built for protection and as bell towers.

Gortlownan Motte

A motte is a type of earthwork castle, often a raised mound of earth. The Gortlownan Motte is located in Gortlownan.

Gortnaleck Court Tomb

This court tomb is found in Gortnaleck. It's another example of the ancient burial practices in Sligo.

Heapstown Cairn

The large Heapstown Cairn.

The Heapstown Cairn in Heapstown is a very large pile of stones. It's an ancient monument with a long history.

Inishmurray Island

Ancient ruins on Inishmurray Island.

Inishmurray Island is home to an amazing early medieval church site. It's a remote island with a rich religious history.

Knocknarea Passage Tombs

A view of Knocknarea, with tombs.

On Knocknarea mountain, there are several passage tombs and cairns. This mountain is famous for its ancient monuments.

Queen Meave's Tomb

Queen Meave's Cairn on Knocknarea.

Also on Knocknarea, this large cairn is traditionally known as Queen Meave's Tomb. It's a huge pile of stones that can be seen from far away.

Magheraghanrush Court Tomb

The Magheraghanrush Court Tomb, also known as Deer Park Court Tomb.

This court tomb is located in Magheraghanrush. It's a significant archaeological site.

Moytirra East Court Tomb

Another court tomb can be found in Moytirra East. These ancient structures tell us a lot about the people who lived here thousands of years ago.

Sligo Abbey

The ruins of Sligo Abbey.

In the town of Sligo itself, you can visit Sligo Abbey. This is the ruin of an old Dominican friary, a place where monks lived and worshipped.

Sources

• National Monuments in County Sligo