Mullyash Kerbed Cairn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mullyash Kerbed Cairn |
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| Native name Irish: Carn Chiumhais Mhullaigh Aise |
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| Mullyash Carn | |
Lane to Mullyash Cairn
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| Type | bowl barrow |
| Location | Mullyash, Cremorne, County Monaghan, Ireland |
| Area | Mullyash Mountains |
| Elevation | 317 m (1,040 ft) |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Built | c. 4000 BC |
| Owner | Coillte |
| Official name: Mullyash | |
| Reference no. | 564 |
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Mullyash Kerbed Cairn is an ancient burial mound located in County Monaghan, Ireland. It is a special type of cairn and is recognized as a National Monument of Ireland. This historical site helps us learn about people who lived thousands of years ago.
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Where is Mullyash Cairn?
The Mullyash Kerbed Cairn sits right on top of Mullyash Mountain. It is about 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) northeast of Carrickmacross. The site is also very close to the border with Northern Ireland.
A Glimpse into Ancient Times
This ancient cairn was built a very long time ago, around 4000 BC. This was during the early Neolithic period. The Neolithic period was a time when people started farming and building large stone monuments.
From Mullyash, people could see far across the land. They could see places like Slieve Gullion and the Mourne Mountains. This view was important before modern trees grew tall and blocked it.
Old Traditions and Legends
For many years, local people visited the cairn on the last Sunday in July. This day was known as Crom Dubh's Sunday. It was a leftover tradition from an old Celtic festival called Lughnasadh. This festival celebrated the harvest.
People would climb the mountain, dance, and celebrate at the cairn. Then, they would walk down to a standing stone nearby. Mullyash was also famous for helping people find partners for marriage.
Local stories say that a nobleman's daughter was buried in the cairn. Her father was said to have hurt her after she ran away with a young prince he did not like. Some legends claim that if you eat certain foods, you can see the gold treasure buried with her. This might be linked to very old beliefs and practices.
Another legend tells of Fionn mac Cumhaill, a giant hero from Irish myths. The story says he threw a stone from Slieve Gullion to Mullyash. This stone is believed to be the standing stone that is still there today. The distance he threw it was about 16.6 kilometers (10.3 miles)!
What Does the Cairn Look Like?
Mullyash Kerbed Cairn is a special kind of burial mound. It has two levels, like steps, and a stone border around it. It might also be a type of passage grave. A passage grave is a tomb with a narrow passage leading to a burial chamber.
The cairn's walls are reinforced with stones. It is about 16 meters (52 feet) wide. The cairn stands about 1.85 meters (6 feet) high.
The Standing Stone
A large standing stone is located about 200 meters (656 feet) west of the cairn. This stone once stood tall at 3.6 meters (11.8 feet) high. However, it is now broken.
