One of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe, Carrowmore is finally receiving the renown it deserves and is Sligo's must-see attraction.
Some 60 monuments including stone circles, passage tombs and dolmens adorn the rolling hills of this haunting site, which is thought to predate Newgrange in County Meath by 700 years. Although over the centuries, many of the stones have been destroyed, ongoing excavations continue to uncover more sites both within the public site and on adjoining private land.
Discoveries about the meaning of Carrowmore are continuing and are dramatic. How the many features of the site relate to the surrounding hills and mountains is rich with meaning. Among the numbered sites, 51 has been found to get direct sunlight at dawn each 31 October, or Halloween. Many people claim to feel strong powers here and you'll likely see a few spiritual pilgrims on the site.
The delicately balanced dolmens were originally covered with stones and earth, so it requires some effort to picture what this 2.5km-wide area might once have looked like. A large central cairn has been reconstructed to give visitors some insight into the materials and methods used at this time.The visitor centre has full details and staff are happy to explain much more, plus detail the latest discoveries.
To get here, follow the R292 west from Sligo for 4km and follow the signposts.
