Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
A high point of Neolithic art and design
Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
A high point of Neolithic art and design
Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
The Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery, 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 16 May – 11 September 2024
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour.
Notice
The Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is a National Monument which is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014.
Visitors must not deface or mark any of the stones in the cemetery by scraping them with objects or writing on them. This damages the art which is over 5,000 years old and some of which is only faintly visible. Anyone found to have disfigured or defaced these monuments will be prosecuted. The monuments at the site are in the ownership of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and managed by the Office of Public Works.
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
Nearby sites to visit
Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
Fore Abbey
Discover the mystical legacy of St Feichin
Approx. 10.1 km from Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
Trim Castle
The ultimate symbol of Norman glory
Approx. 30.0 km from Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
Hill of Tara
Experience the legacy of the high kings
Approx. 37.8 km from Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery
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Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Loughcrew.
Download the Social Guide