Greengraves Portal Tomb aka The Kempe Stones

This was my second attempt to visit the superb Greengraves Portal Tomb
(also known as) The Kempe Stones.
The first attempt failed due to roadworks on the A20 close to the tomb.

My excitement at finding the site was somewhat overshadowed with finding the tomb close to being overgrown on one side with very tall nettles and other weeds.
The overgrown side would seem to be part of a lane/walk way that brings you to the tomb.
This is very much not in keeping with how you normally find Heritage sites in Northern Ireland. 

The tomb's impressive main capstone rests on two large portal stones, a smaller capstone sits at the back.
Everything about this tomb is just perfectly proportioned.
This is a site with real presence.  
The tomb rises to over 3 meters.
On the ground is evidence of what was once a cairn (a few loose boulders).

The chamber of the tomb was excavated in 1830, human bones were found.

Access - I came at the tomb from the A20, drove very slowly down Greengraves Road and spotted the tomb on my right at the end of a field.

What I did not spot was the bull in next field who had access to an opening into the tombs field.
This brought about the lead shot as yours truly took to the higher ground to avoid said bull.  

Kilfeaghan Portal Tomb

Located about a mile off the A1 on a farm is the impressive Kilfeaghan Portal Tomb.

The real star of this site is the massive capstone, 2.5 meters long by 1.5 meters in thickness.
The capstone is said to weigh around the 35 ton mark, it rests on two portal stones which have been driven into the ground by the sheer weight of this beast of a capstone.

The tomb rests on top of a large cairn (which was mostly covered in grass on the morning of my visit).
For a better idea of the size of the cairn check this link to Jim Dempsey's great Megalithic Ireland web site.

Access - this tomb is very easy to find and is well sign posted, a walkway is provided from the farm gate.  

Ballynahatty ( The Giant's Ring ) Passage Tomb

Located a short drive from Belfast and in a perfect setting inside a henge is Ballynahatty passage tomb aka The Giants Ring.

Most of the tombs massive stones are still in position, although one of the roofing stones has slipped.
As a result this gives the tomb a very photogenic look when viewed from different angles.  

The henge is close to 4metres high and almost 200metres in diameter.
The henge which was excavated in 1954 is made up of clay, gravel and boulders.  
The excavations also showed the presence of an inner ditch.

Maghera Round Tower and Church

This is the stump of a 10th century round tower (nearly six meters tall) which is in a field to the north of the church. It is said to have survived at its original height until the early 18th century when it was damaged in a storm.
The Church is hidden behind the modern Church and is thought to date from the 13th century the graveyard (which is being cleaned up) is well worth a walk around.

Dundrum Castle

This superb ruin stands very proud overlooking the village, with great views in many directions.
Dundrum Castle was founded by the legendary Norman adventurer John de Courcy following his invasion of Ulster in 1177.
Its purpose was to guard the land routes from Drogheda via Greencastle to Downpatrick.
The Castle had a colourful history that culminated in its sacking by Cromwell's army in the 1650's.

Ballynoe Stone Circle

The Ballynoe Stone Circle is one of the finest in Ireland.The site appears now as a large circle of closely-spaced stones with some outliers, surrounding an oval mound. The eastern part of the mound has a stone kerb and there is an arc of stones beyond its western end. Its outer ring consists of  a stone up to 2 metres in hight. Excavation uncovered a rectangular stone cist at each end of the mound with cremated bones.. Some experts think the remains may date from before 2000 BC which would place it in the late Neolithic period or early Bronze age.

Wateresk Portal Tomb

The Mourne mountains are the stunning backdrop to this tomb, which is also known as Sidderyford Dolmen. The granite capstone is 3 metres long and 1 m high it rests on three support-stones, the tallest being 1.8 metres high. Viewed from all sides this tomb can look very different, which make it well worth a visit if you happen to be in Down.