Heapstown Cairn

Heapstown, County Sligo

This magnificent site is the largest cairn (mound of stones) in Ireland, a full 60 metres in diameter. Surrounded by mossy limestone kerbs (slabs) and lined all around with beautiful chestnut trees, the cairn is unique in that it is located on low ground.

There is a definite presence here, perhaps because though much of the cairn has been plundered, its rich and turbulent history seems alive and well. In a certain gust of wind, in fact, locals say that voices can be heard. The presence of the mighty warriors who fought here still echoes their cries of victory and defeat. Inside the cairn, delicate yellow flowers spring to life between stones thousands of years old, reminders that there is, and was, life here, life that still flourishes. The site has never been formally excavated.

Legend marks this cairn as the site of the famous healing well of Dian Cecht, a magician and healer of the great T'uatha De Danaan, one of the original occupying tribes of Ireland. During the second battle of Moyturra, a battle between the T'uatha and the giant Formorians, Dian Cecht would bring the dead and wounded to the well every night and immerse them in the healing waters. By morning, they would be fully recovered and ready to fight once more.

Their enemies, the Formorians, realized the importance of the well and, led by Octriallach, they captured it. Each Formorian warrior threw a stone into the well to block it up. By the time the hordes of Formorians finished throwing stones, what stood before them is what is now called the Heapstown Cairn. (Eventually, in Irish myth, the great sun god of the T'uatha, Lugh, led his people to victory over his grandfather, the evil, one-eyed leader of the Formorians).

Magical wells beneath massive cairns are an integral part of the history of these megalithic monuments. Many stories recount holy or magical wells running beneath sacred sites. Even archaeologists agree that running water generates tremendous power...and this power is palpable at Heapstown Cairn.

Hours:

The cairn is located on private land and requires a good deal of walking through a grassy field. As long as the cows are not in, the public is welcomed by an open turnstile. If it's locked, that means the cows are nearby...no entry. So, if you see the cows in the field, just wait until they leave. Walking to the cairn-among the cows-isn't suggested. Watch your step. Wear your wellys (boots).

How to get there:

From Dublin: N4 to Castlebaldwin, Right turn toward Ballindoon. Stay right at first road junction. 3km take left at next road junction. Heapstown Cairn signposted 2km on right.

From Belfast: A6 to Derry, then A5 to Lifford, N15 to Sligo Town. Take N4 to Castlebaldwin. Right turn toward Ballindoon. Stay right at first road junction. Ekm take left at next road junction. Heapstown Cairn signposted 2km on right.

Address:

Heapstown Cairn

Heapstown, Co. Sligo


Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007