252 Elcock — Pre-Historic Monuments at Carrowmore. 



"Walking from Sligo, the first cromleac which meets the eye 

 is one close on the left or east side of the road. It formerly 

 had a stone circle round it, which was cut through when 

 making the road, and several of the stones were broken up to 

 make the wall. Some may be seen in the wall, and one is still 

 in the field, in situ. The cap stone very much resembles the 

 top of a mushroom. It measures about twenty feet in circum- 

 ference, and stands on six stones. One feature of this cromleac 

 arrests the attention almost at the first glance. On the western 

 side it has a sort of projecting porch-like entrance, formed by 

 four stones — a peculiarity which is found on other cromleacs 

 on Carrowmore. Dr. Petrie calls this No. 13. See sketch 

 No. 1. 



On the west side of the road, and almost opposite the crom- 

 leac just mentioned, is a short lane leading to a field, near the 

 highest part of which, but not visible from the main road, 

 stands the largest of all the Carrowmore cromleacs. Its Irish 

 name is " Leaba na Ffian," which means the bed or grave of 

 the warrior — a name which is given to each of the cromleacs 

 in this group. The proverb as to the healing power of time 

 could scarcely meet with stronger proof than that given by this 

 Pagan monument, for the cause of the erection of this cromleac 

 is now so completely forgotten in the neighbourhood, that that 

 which is the result of bitter hatred is now known commonly as 

 " The Kissing Stone." Swains and maidens know the reason 

 why. 



This cromleac is perfect, and stands from eight to nine feet 

 high. The cap stone rests on three of the six stones under it, 

 and measures about twenty-three feet in circumference, being 

 about ten feet long. A stone circle, nearly forty feet in diameter, 

 still surrounds the cromleac, thirty-two stones being in situ. 

 The porch-like entrance is here seen also. This is the only 

 cromleac of the group into which we can walk. Dr. Petrie 

 calls this No. 7. See sketch No. 2. 



Almost due south of this cromleac, and being but a few yards 



