Go to My Ireland
logo-mini

Are you sure you want to leave the feed?

Leave

Oops... something went wrong!

My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks

Oops... no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

    See what Ireland has in store for you

    Oops... no internet connection

    While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

    My board

    Tell me more

    Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

    Looks like your board is empty

    Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com. Simply tap the heart to add items to your board!

    Board settings

    Collection cover image

    Visible to people you share your board with

    No image

    Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

    Step into the realm of legends at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, where ancient monuments guard secrets of Ireland's prehistoric past
    • #HistoricIreland
    • #WildAtlanticWay
    • #MythsandLegends
    County Sligo
    Historic landmarks
    50 mins to Ireland West Airport

    Under the watchful eye of Ben Bulben, explore the prehistoric realm of Carrowmore, where megalithic monuments stand as silent witnesses to ancient rituals and the legacy of Ireland's early inhabitants.

    Ancient history can be found everywhere around the island of Ireland. But nowhere are the lives and rituals of our Neolithic people more visible than in the passage tombs that dot the landscape. These megalithic monuments can be found all over the island and are thought to date back around 5,000 years. Some of the more famous are Newgrange and Dowth. Less well known is the sacred passage tomb landscape of County Sligo. In fact, the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery has even made it onto Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

    Close to Sligo town on the west coast, Carrowmore is comprised of more than 35 passage tombs that were constructed a mind-blowing 6,000 years ago. It’s the oldest and densest collection of passage tombs anywhere in Ireland and is situated against the scenic backdrop of Sligo’s rural landscape. Symbolically, it’s overlooked by Queen Maeve’s Cairn on Knocknarea mountain, said to be the final resting place of Ireland’s mythical Iron Age warrior queen. A small cottage contains an interesting exhibition that will tell you about the history of Carrowmore, but to get the most from the experience, visit with a tour guide who can unlock the many secrets of this ancient place.

    Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, County Sligo

    Need to know

    1

    The site is around 8km (5 miles) from Knocknarea Hill – home to the breathtaking Queen Maeve Trail.

    2

    Facilities include fully guided tours, toilets, a car park and a small visitor centre. For more information about transport and accessibility, email carrowmoretomb@opw.ie or call 071 916 1534.


    3

    Tickets range from €5 to €13 and we recommend bringing a pair of hiking boots to combat the site's rough terrain.

    Things to see and do nearby

    Ben Bulben Loop

    Get up close to one of our most iconic mountains on the Benbulben Loop. This easy walk along primarily forest road will take a mere 90 minutes to complete, but walkers are in for a real treat with more than a few surprises along the route.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Hargadon Bros

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Sligo Abbey

    The Dominican priory known as Sligo Abbey has dominated Sligo's eastern district since the town was founded in the mid 13th century. Large parts of the church, sacristy and chapterhouse are preserved from this period, alongside the beautiful 15th century cloister and associated buildings.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Sligo Food Trail

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Markree Castle

    It is hard to imagine a destination with more romance, character, and elegance than Markree Castle. This historic Irish castle venue is nestled in the stunning North West of Ireland in County Sligo on the route of the world famous Wild Atlantic Way.

    4/5

    Sligo

    View details

    Accommodation

    Wild West Sailing

    Set sail on the Atlantic Ocean with Wild West Sailing at Mullaghmore, County Sligo or Rossaveal, County Galway. Take part in one of their amazing courses or book a charter for an unforgettable trip.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Sligo Bay Sup

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Sligo Folk Park

    Discover bygone Irish rural life and heritage at the Sligo Folk Park, in the beautiful village of Riverstown, County Sligo. Situated 20km from Sligo Town, Riverstown is just off the M4, Dublin to Sligo motorway.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Dolly's Cottage

    Dolly's Cottage is a two hundred year old, traditional, thatched cottage, the only one of its kind in the area. It is located in Strandhill, County Sligo and open to the public at weekends during the summer months.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Yeats Building

    The Yeats Building is in the heart of Sligo Town on the River Garavogue. It’s a well preserved arts and crafts building over 120 years old. Here, the Yeats Society celebrates the life and work of Nobel poet WB Yeats and his talented family, sisters Susan and Elizabeth and brother Jack. County Sligo was a source of inspiration and creativity for all of WB’s life. His mother, Susan was from Sligo and she gave all her children a love of this place, its history, legends, folklore and its glorious wild Atlantic scenery.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction

    Knocknarea Walking Trail

    Knocknarea Mountain (Cnoc na Rí) is situated 7.5km west of Sligo Town, in the area of the Strandhill Peninsula. This breathtaking mountain dominates the skyline of Sligo town at 327m high.

    Sligo

    View details

    Attraction