Loughcrew Cairns
A high point of Neolithic art and design
Loughcrew Cairns
A high point of Neolithic art and design
Equinox: OPW staff will be in attendance on 21, 22 and 23 September.
Sunrise is at 07:50 approx.
Access to outside spaces only.
Loughcrew Cairns
The Loughcrew cairns, also known as the Hills of the Witch, are a group of Neolithic passage tombs near Oldcastle in County Meath. Spread over four undulating peaks, the tombs are of great antiquity, dating to 3000 BC.
Cairn T is one of the largest tombs in the complex. Inside it lies a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland. The cairn is aligned to sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes and at these times people gather there to greet the first rays of the sun.
Guided tours of the site explore the history and mythology of these fascinating monuments.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
Guides on site from 30 May 2023
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Notice
The climb to Cairn T is very steep and visitors are asked to wear suitable footwear and to be careful.
There is no access for visitors in wheelchairs.
Please note the approach road is very narrow and extreme caution is needed.
Due to ongoing conservation works access to the interior of Cairn T is not possible at present.
The rest of the monuments on the hill are not affected by this necessary work.
Getting Here
Located 3km east of Oldcastle. off R163, about 80km north-west of Dublin
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Brochure
- Car park
- Guided tours
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- Limited Access
- No climbing
Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Loughcrew Cairns. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Loughcrew Cairns.
Download the Social Guide