286 [Pi-oc. B.N.F.C, 



a short examination of the fort, the members were conducted 

 to a field a short distance to the east, containing a fine 

 example of an entirely different type of erection known to 

 archaeologists as kistevaens, but more familiarly termed giants' 

 graves, or grannies' graves, by the country people. The one 

 visited is in good preservation, and it is satisfactory to know 

 that this important monument is much respected by the land- 

 owner, and that it is not likely to be injured or interfered 

 with in any way. It is formed of large blocks of stone set 

 on edge a few feet apart, the space between them being 

 spanned by nine of the largest blocks, thus forming a low 

 chamber, or series of chambers, about forty feet in length. 

 Mr. W. H. Patterson, M.R.I.A., gave a very interesting 

 account of what is known about these structures, and in the 

 course of his remarks said that kistevaens were believed to be 

 of the same age as the cromleacs, stone circles, and standing 

 stones, found all through Ireland, and were doubtless bury- 

 ing-places of the great ones of a long past age. Originally 

 they had been covered with mounds of earth, but in most 

 cases these had long since either weathered away or had been 

 removed by man's agency. It might be if the adjoining fort 

 were opened it would be found to contain a similar structure. 

 The origin of the name of this kistevaen (Cairn Grainne) had 

 given rise to considerable discussion, some maintaining that 

 it meant " the heap of the sun," but the more probable idea 

 being that it signified the Cairn of Grainne, a name well known 

 to students of Irish legendary lore. Grainne was wife of one 

 of the ancient kings of Ireland, and cast her spell around 

 Dermot, and the pair were forced to flee from the pursuing 

 armies of the King. Legend says so close was the pursuit 

 that they were forced to change their locality daily, and that 

 these Grainne's (corrupted into grannies') " graves " marked 

 the places where they nightly remained. Mr. Patterson's lucid 

 explanation was listened to with great attention, and on its 

 conclusion he was warmly thanked by the members. The 

 operations of the photographic section at tliis point were 

 rather interfered with in consequence of a heavy thunder- 



