242 Gray— Irish Cromlechs. 
originally an avenue leading to the chamber. In former times 
“the ring” was used as a race course, for which it was 
admirably suited, the rampart making a “ grand stand.” Under 
the circumstances, it must be a matter of congratulation that 
we have so much of the monument preserved. Excavations 
have been made in the vicinity of the enclosure, and several 
sepulchral remains have been found. A circular chamber was 
exposed about seven feet in diameter, formed of blocks of stones 
covered over with flags. Minor internal divisions of the main 
chambers contained four cinerary urns and other evidence of 
ancient burials. Within a short distance of this chamber several 
other cists of sepulchral character were discovered, all indicating 
the importance of the central monument in ancient times.* 
2. KEMPE STONE CROMLECH, DUNDONALD. 
Sketch No. 2. 
The megalithic monument, locally known as the Kempe 
Stone, is one of the most important in County Down. It occurs 
on the high ground about a mile to the west of the village of 
Dundonald, and not far from the main county road from Belfast 
to Newtownards. The group of stones composing the monu- 
ment occupy a space of 12 ft. by 8 ft., and stand ten feet high to 
the east and six feet to the west. The chamber measures five 
feet long, five feet wide at east end, and three feet wide at the 
west. This chamber is formed of six blocks of stone ; the 
eastern blocks are upright, and the side blocks are on edge, 
eight, and seven feet long respectively ; the cap stone measuring 
eight feet six inches long, seven feet wide, and on an average 
three feet six inches thick. The block must weigh about 
seventeen tons. The top of the cap stone has a quick fall or 
slope to the west. This feature, so common to our cromlechs, 
may in this case be due to original construction, as the stones 
supporting it at the west are smaller than those at the east end, 
and the cap itself is thinnest at the west end. The present 
name of the townland is Greengraves. The locality was formerly 
denominated Bally-clogh-togle (town of the raised or lifted 
* Ulster Journal of Archaeology. Vol. III., page 357. 
