Wedge tombs

Wedge tombs

These monuments, constructed by the Neolithic people added a human social dimension to the landscape and over time they became a permanent, integral part of the landscape. People became engaged in the landscape and the monuments they built became a focal point for their activities.

Following on from the Neolithic (New Stone Age) period came the Bronze Age, dating from 2,500 BC-600 BC. The main difference was that stone was being replaced with bronze and copper. Two types of monument associated with this period are wedge tombs and standing stones. This proves that the megalithic monuments survived the transition and developments of the time.

Wedge tombs were built during the early part of the Bronze Age. A typical example is the one located at Ballyedmonduff. It measures 1,100 feet in height and is located on the southeast slope of Two Rock Mountain. There is lovely view from the hillside, again the marginal location. The gallery of the tomb is 26 feet long and consists of the antechamber, main gallery and end chamber.

In 1945 the site was excavated and traces of beaker sherds were found on the paved floor providing good examples of the type of burial customs in vogue at the time.