Gleninsheen, Prehistoric wedge tomb in The Burren, Ireland
Gleninsheen is a megalithic tomb built with large limestone slabs arranged in a trapezoidal chamber, with its entrance facing southwest. The site actually contains two structures, with a second partially collapsed tomb located about 100 meters to the northeast.
The tomb was built around 2500 BC during the late Neolithic period and ranks among roughly eighty wedge tombs found across the region. Its use continued over many generations, showing its lasting importance to successive communities.
The townland name Gleninsheen comes from the Irish Gleann Insín, recorded in the German-language sources as the place-name of this townland in the parish of Rathborney. The tombs themselves are known by that townland name rather than by any name given to the structures. Visitors today see two tombs in the same townland, one beside the road and one in a field about 100 m to the northeast.
Both tombs stand on private land in the townland of Gleninsheen, parish of Rathborney, near the N480. One lies right beside the road; the other, partly collapsed, is about 100 m to the northeast in a field. Access to the field depends on the landowner, so view from the road unless permission is given.
A bronze neck ornament called the Gleninsheen Gorget was discovered near the tomb and dates to around 800 to 700 BC. This precious find suggests the site retained ritual importance for people living many centuries after the tomb's construction.
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