Megalithic Tomb, Keel East

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Discover a 5,000-year-old court tomb on Achill Island, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Ireland's Neolithic past. A must-see historical site!

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Megalithic Tomb

Explore the ancient Keel East Megalithic Tomb, a 5,000-year-old court tomb on Achill Island, Co. Mayo, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Neolithic life. Discover the tomb's history and its connection to the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Megalithic Tomb

Slievemore Rd, Keel East, Co. Mayo, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Megalithic Tomb.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain around the tomb can be uneven.
Take some time to explore the nearby deserted village of Slievemore for a glimpse into more recent history.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are already in Keel, the Megalithic Tomb is accessible by foot. Start from the center of Keel village and head southeast on Slievemore Road. Follow the road for about 3 km. The tomb will be located on the left side of the road, and you may see signs pointing towards it as you get closer.
Public Transport

If using public transport, take a Bus Éireann bus from Westport to Keel. From Achill Sound, you can take a Local Link bus to Keel. Once in Keel, you can walk to the Megalithic Tomb, which is about a 30-minute walk (approximately 2.5 km) along Slievemore Road. Alternatively, ask the bus driver to help arrange a local taxi. A single bus fare from Westport to Keel costs approximately €10-€15. A taxi from Keel village to the tomb will cost approximately €10-€15.
Car

If driving from Achill Sound, head west on the R319 road towards Keel. Continue for approximately 6.5 km (about 10 minutes). Once you reach Keel, turn left onto Slievemore Road (R319) and continue for about 3 km. Look for a small parking area on the right side of the road, which is the closest access point to the Megalithic Tomb. Parking is free. From Westport, take the N59 to Newport, then turn right at the intersection for the N59 to Mulranny. Follow the N59 through Mulranny and branch left onto the Achill Road R319. Continue towards Achill/Achill Sound and follow signs to Keel village. Continue on the main road until you reach Keel village.

Discover more about Megalithic Tomb

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.