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  • Dooey’s Cairn

    Topics:
    • Historic environment, 
    • Archaeology & Monuments

    Presbytery Lane, Bellaghy Road
    Dunloy
    BT44 9DZ
    United Kingdom

    Contact

    Phone: 028 9082 3207
    Email: scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk
    Website: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/dooeys-cairn-p677411

    Additional Information

    Open to the public: Yes, entry is free (Sometimes public access is restricted due to works for example. Check before you visit)
    Grid reference: D0216018300
    View on the Historic Environment Map Viewer
    SM number: ANT 022:012
    View details on the NI Sites & Monuments Record (NISMR)

    About Dooey’s Cairn

    Dooey’s Cairn is a Neolithic tomb dating from c.4000-2000 BC. This is the best preserved court tomb in the Causeway Coast area. It is named after Andrew Dooey who owned the land. His family granted it to the government in 1975. It was excavated twice, in 1935 and 1975. It consists of a U-shaped forecourt that leads into a small chamber. Behind the chamber is a cremation passage, containing three pits, one of which held the remains of several individuals. This form of cremation passage is the only one of its type found in Ireland. During the excavations, archaeologists discovered various artefacts e.g. polished axe heads, flint arrows and decorated pottery. Evidence of cereal seeds were also discovered, implying that early forms of agriculture had been introduced into this region at the time of the burials.

    Other historic places you can visit:

    • Love Heritage NI
    Dooey’s Cairn
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