Cnoc Raithní (; "hill of bracken") is a tumulus (burial mound) and national monument located on Inisheer, Ireland.

Location

Cnoc Raithní is located on the northern edge of Inisheer, overlooking the harbour.

Cnoc Raithní

History

The lower tier is dated to c. 2000–1500 BC, making this the earliest known settlement site on the island. The upper part is believed to be Early Christian (5th to 8th centuries AD).

Cnoc Raithní

The site was covered by sands before being exposed by a storm in 1885; in that year, it was excavated by D. Murphy and cordoned cinerary urns with cremated bones and a bronze awl were found.

Cnoc Raithní

Description

A circular sandy mound revetted by a drystone wall. About 27 slab-lined graves protrude above the south half. The north half is occupied by a kerbed platform with two limestone pillars.

References

Archaeological sites in County Galway

National Monuments in County Galway

Buildings and structures completed in the 2nd millennium BC

Tumuli in Ireland

Aran Islands