Pre Christian Ireland - New Stone Age - Dolmens/courtcairns Flashcards
What are two examples of dolmens?
Dolmen, browns hill, co. Carlow
Poulnabrone dolmen, co. Clare
What is the purpose of a dolmen?
An above ground Burial chamber
What is the structure of a dolmen?
2 - 7 standing stones
1 large capstone on top sloping downwards at the back
How did the people get the large stone on top of the other stones (dolmen)?
They built a mound of clay over the standing stones to transport the bigger stones to place it on top
What does portal mean?
Entryway
What are dolmens also known as?
Portal dolmens
The remains of how many people were found in poulnabrone co Clare?
22 people
What does dolmen mean?
It is an old Brehon word meaning stone table
What is one example of a court cairn?
Court cairn tomb, creevykeel, co Sligo
What does carn mean?
Mound
Where in Ireland were court cairns build?
Mainly Northern Ireland
What is the structure of a court cairn in co Sligo?
A court cairn has a narrow entrance passage lined with upright stones. The passage leads into an oval courtyard. At the entrance to a burial area there are two large upright stones with a lintel stone on top to create a doorway. There are two burial chambers separated by two upright stones. The burial chambers were originally covered by a corbelled roof covered with a cairn of loose stones
What is a forecourt?
Courtyard
What is the functions of a court cairn?
Burial chamber, ritual site
