Megalithic Tomb Travel Guide

The Megalithic Tomb at Keel East, also known as Slievemore Court Tomb, is a fascinating historical landmark located on Achill Island in County Mayo. Dating back approximately 5,000 years to the Neolithic period, this court tomb provides a window into the lives and rituals of Ireland's ancient inhabitants.Situated on the lower slopes of Slievemore Mountain, the tomb is aligned in a north-south direction, with its court opening facing the mountain. This positioning offers breathtaking views stretching down to the cliffs of Minaun and the Atlantic Ocean. The tomb's location was likely chosen for its commanding presence in the landscape and its potential connection to spiritual beliefs of the time.The structure consists of a roughly circular court area leading to a gallery that may have originally contained two or three chambers. While some collapse and stone removal have occurred over the centuries, the court and rear chamber remain in relatively good condition. The large roof stone on the rear chamber is particularly impressive.Local folklore adds another layer of intrigue to the site. One story recounts a miller who took a stone from the tomb to use as a millstone, only to meet an untimely death within a year. This tale highlights the respect, or perhaps fear, that the local community held for these ancient monuments.Adjacent to the tomb lies the deserted village of Slievemore, adding a poignant reminder of more recent life gone by. The ruins of the village, inhabited until the mid-20th century, offer a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in this remote but beautiful landscape.