Carrowmore, Archaeological site in County Sligo, Ireland
Carrowmore is an archaeological site in County Sligo containing the remains of around 35 passage tombs arranged in a broad circle across the Coolera Peninsula. The structures are built from large stones forming burial chambers, with some now visible only as earth mounds.
The site was created during the Neolithic period around 4000 BC when early farming communities stacked large stones to bury their dead. The location was used over thousands of years and documents the burial practices of these ancient societies.
The central tomb called Listoghil displays geometric patterns carved into its entrance stone, showing the artistic skills of the builders. These carvings are rarely found at megalithic sites and make the location particularly interesting for visitors interested in ancient art.
The site is freely accessible year-round and allows visitors to explore the ruins at their own pace. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is hilly and walking between the various tombs requires some hiking.
The satellite structures surrounding the main tombs align with the winter solstice sunrise and other celestial events, showing that the builders possessed astronomical knowledge. These alignments appear to be no accident but the result of deliberate planning in how the site was arranged.
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