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 Tomb, Ballyedmonduff

This image shows the wedge tomb (gallery grave) before it was surrounded by dense forest. The image is effective when compared with the current image of the tomb, indicating the change that can occur to the physical landscape overtime.

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Wedge Tomb, Ballyedmonduff
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Wedge Tomb, Ballyedmonduff

This image shows the wedge tomb (gallery grave) before it was surrounded by dense forest. The image is effective when compared with the current image of the tomb, indicating the change that can occur to the physical landscape overtime.

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Enlarge image

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.

Wedge Tomb, Ballyedmonduff

This monument is also described as a gallery grave and dates from approximately 1,700 B.C., making it one of the last megalithic tombs built in Ireland. The tomb is now surrounded by dense forest and is located on the southeast slope of Two Rock Mountain and the view from the hillside is beautiful. It measures 1,100 feet in height and consists of the antechamber, main gallery and end chamber.

Wedge Tomb, Ballyedmonduff

This monument is also described as a gallery grave and dates from approximately 1,700 B.C., making it one of the last megalithic tombs built in Ireland. The tomb is now surrounded by dense forest and is located on the southeast slope of Two Rock Mountain and the view from the hillside is beautiful. It measures 1,100 feet in height and consists of the antechamber, main gallery and end chamber.

Enlarge image

Most of the main gallery was destroyed. The end chamber was constructed separately, however it did contain the same beaker sherds and some cremated human bone. This wedge tomb was one of the last to be constructed in Ireland.

The excavation indicates how vessels were being used at the time to hold food to accompany the dead on their journey to the afterlife. Cremation was also a popular custom at the time. The landscape provides us with clues to the religious culture prevalent during the Bronze Age.