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Dunnamore, County Tyrone'Dermot and Grania's Bed' is a large and somewhat damaged Bronze Age wedge tomb situated in the hamlet of Dunnamore, 8 miles west-south-west of Cookstown. The recommended approach is by a farm track leading west from a concreted lane to the south of the road; the megalith comes into view beside some trees in the next field. Despite obvious disturbance and the removal of a number of its stones, the tomb is a good example of the class.
The largest in the county, with a well-defined gallery which still has several massive roof slabs in place, it consists of an antechamber and main chamber, 9 feet and 15 feet long respectively, divided by a high septal slab. An unusual though not unique feature is the presence of an orthostat set midway between the portals, creating a kind of dual entrance. It is structurally unnecessary, so is presumably of ritual significance. Some of the outer walling survives, much confused by agricultural activity. The tomb occupies a fine location, modern intrusions notwithstanding, and the south-west facing entrance looks out across a wide sweep of largely uninterrupted countryside.Other Ancient Stones in County Tyrone: Crosh | Glenknock | Click here to buy the Appletree Press book from Amazon.co.uk. For more information click on: Ireland's Ancient Stones - A Megalithic Heritage by Kenneth McNally, published by Appletree Press. |
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