Rathcroghan Mound, the centrepiece of this historic site, is an impressive circular mound with a flat top. With a diameter of 89 metres at its base and a height of 5.5 metres, it’s an imposing sight.
Gentle ramps to the east and west provide easy access to the summit, where the remains of a small mound can be seen.
Topographical studies have revealed that this mound was erected on top of an earlier monument, consisting of two concentric stone circles.
Around the mound, a vast enclosure 360 metres in diameter and 5 metres deep was discovered, testifying to the grandeur and importance of the site.
This enclosure encompasses several other monuments, placing Rathcroghan on a par with other iconic Irish royal sites such as Tara, Emain Macha, and Dún Ailinne, all of which feature similar structures.
You can of course visit the site via the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. A guide will take you to the site and explain the history of the site, how it was built and how it was used at the time, with its pagan rites and burial traditions.
It’s an exciting, over-the-top place that will plunge you into the heart of Irish pagan history. A must-see, before discovering Rathcroghan’s other fascinating sites!