Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, just outside Sligo town, is one of Ireland's largest and oldest collections of megalithic tombs, with a cluster of over 30 satellite passage tombs surrounding a larger central tomb, all dating back roughly 5,500-6,000 years, making some of them older than Newgrange. The tombs here are generally smaller and more numerous than the famous sites in the Boyne Valley, giving Carrowmore a different, almost intimate character: you can walk between multiple stone circles and chambers in a fairly compact area, getting a real sense of the scale of Neolithic ritual activity that once took place across this landscape. The site sits within view of Knocknarea mountain, topped by the cairn traditionally associated with the legendary queen Maeve, and the pairing of the two makes this whole stretch of the Sligo countryside feel like a genuinely ancient, layered landscape rather than a single isolated monument.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery FAQs
Some of the passage tombs date back roughly 5,500-6,000 years, making parts of the site older than Newgrange in the Boyne Valley.
There are over 30 satellite tombs clustered around a larger central tomb, making it one of Ireland's largest concentrations of megalithic monuments.
There's typically a modest admission charge when the visitor centre is staffed and open; check current pricing before visiting.
Yes, the site has clear views of Knocknarea mountain, topped by a large cairn traditionally associated with the legendary queen Maeve.
It generally has reduced access or closes for parts of the winter; check current seasonal opening times before planning a visit.
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