N5877 : A satellite tomb at Carnbane East
Short, steep hill walk

Slieve na Calliagh [Sliabh na Cailli]

276m Elevation
178m Prominence
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N5877 : A satellite tomb at Carnbane East

Eric Jones Photo source

Overview

Slieve na Calliagh is Meath’s 276 m county top, on Carnbane East near Oldcastle. The Loughcrew passage tombs give this grassy hill its distinctive archaeological setting. The recorded highest point is the top of a chambered cairn, which must not be climbed; the visitor walk reaches the permitted outdoor hilltop beside the monuments.

Slieve na Calliagh: Carnbane East and the Loughcrew cairns

Slieve na Calliagh rises above the countryside near Oldcastle in County Meath. Its 276 m county-top record refers to the summit of a chambered cairn on Carnbane East. The visitor walk reaches the outdoor hilltop beside the monuments: the cairns themselves must not be climbed. Loughcrew names the wider archaeological complex, which also extends onto neighbouring hills.

The combination of an open grassy hillside, wide views and Neolithic archaeology makes this a distinctive short hill outing. Cairn T is the best-known monument on Carnbane East. Its chamber and carved stones belong to a burial tradition more than 5,000 years old, and its passage is aligned with sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes. These features can be described without suggesting that the chamber is open to visitors.

The Irish name Sliabh na Caillí means the mountain of the hag. In local legend, a hag formed the cairns by dropping stones from her apron as she crossed the hills. Underfoot, the hill is associated with the Clontail Formation's greywacke; the resistant Silurian rocks of this part of Meath help explain why the ridge stands above its lower surroundings.

The visitor walk

Start at the Loughcrew Cairns car park west of Carnbane East. Climb the steps, pass through the gate and follow the established path up the grassy hillside. Benches provide places to pause, but the ascent is steep and deserves more care than the modest height might suggest.

At the top, remain in the permitted outdoor areas around Cairn T and the neighbouring monuments. Do not climb onto the cairns, move stones or cross conservation barriers. Return by the same hill path, gate and steps to the starting car park. Carnbane West and Patrickstown Hill are separate destinations, not part of this direct out-and-back.

Visiting and getting there

Access checked on 17 October 2026: OPW lists year-round outdoor access and free admission. Cairn T's interior is closed during conservation work, and the 2026 guide season has ended. Check Heritage Ireland before travelling for changes.

Wear footwear with good grip and carry a layer for wind or rain. Take particular care descending wet or icy grass. The approach road is narrow, dogs must stay on leads, and the hill route is not wheelchair accessible.

Bus Éireann route 187 serves Oldcastle between Kells and Virginia via Ballyjamesduff. Arrange the onward journey from town to the hill and check the return timetable. The visitor route begins at the cairns car park.

A café and toilets are available at the nearby Loughcrew Megalithic Centre, subject to its opening arrangements. The centre is separate from the outdoor monument site; Loughcrew Estate and Gardens are another nearby attraction.

Sources

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Route planning notes

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Carnbane East outdoor hilltop from Loughcrew Cairns car park

Start and finish at the Loughcrew Cairns visitor car park west of Carnbane East. Climb the steps, pass through the gate and follow the established grassy hill path to the permitted outdoor area beside Cairn T. The ascent is steep, with benches along the way. Stay off the cairns and respect conservation barriers: this walk does not reach the recorded summit on top of the chambered cairn. Return by the same path, gate and steps to the starting car park. Cairn T’s interior remains closed for conservation; check OPW notices before travelling.

Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Historic County Top (pre-1889) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

276m

906 ft

Prominence

178m

Coordinates

53.7447, -7.1123

N586775

OS Map

42

At the Summit

DoBIH records the summit of a chambered cairn at N586775, with the cairn approximately 6 m high. Cairn T stands on Carnbane East. OPW prohibits climbing the monuments, so visit the outdoor hilltop beside them without attempting to reach the cairn summit. Cairn T’s interior is closed for conservation, as checked on 17 October 2026.

Terrain & Geology

Steps from the visitor car park a gate and an established path up a steep grassy hillside to the outdoor monument area. The return follows the same slope and steps.

MountainViews identifies the local bedrock as calcareous red-mica greywacke of the Clontail Formation. The wider Slieve na Calliagh ridge lies within northwest Meath’s resistant Silurian rocks, which stand above the surrounding Lower Carboniferous terrain.

Views & Scenery

The open hilltop gives wide views across the surrounding County Meath countryside in clear weather. The passage tombs and neighbouring Loughcrew hills are the immediate features of the landscape.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Sliabh na Caillí means “mountain of the hag”. In local folklore, the hag formed the cairns by dropping stones from her apron while crossing the hills.

Historical Significance

Loughcrew is a protected Neolithic passage-tomb cemetery more than 5,000 years old. Cairn T on Carnbane East contains a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and carved stones; its passage is aligned with equinox sunrise. These archaeological features do not imply that the interior is open. OPW’s current notice closes the chamber for conservation and says guide presence has ceased for the 2026 season.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use the signed Loughcrew Cairns visitor car park west of Carnbane East. The walking route begins at the steps and gate beside the car park. OPW warns that the approach road is very narrow; drive cautiously and keep access clear.

Public Transport

Bus Éireann route 187 serves Oldcastle between Kells and Virginia via Ballyjamesduff. Arrange separate onward travel from Oldcastle to the Loughcrew Cairns car park and check the current timetable for the return journey.

Nearby Facilities

OPW lists a visitor car park, and its social guide describes benches on the ascent. A café and toilets are at the nearby Loughcrew Megalithic Centre, subject to its opening arrangements; the centre places itself 200 m from the car park. Bring water for the hill and check the centre’s opening times before relying on its facilities.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The grassy ascent and steps are steep; wet or icy surfaces can make the descent slippery. Wear footwear with good grip.
  • The open hilltop is exposed to wind and poor visibility. Carry suitable clothing and drinking water.
  • Do not climb the cairns, move stones or cross conservation barriers. Cairn T’s interior is closed during conservation work.
  • The approach road is very narrow. Drive cautiously, keep access clear and take care around vehicles.
  • Dogs must remain on leads. The hill route is not wheelchair accessible.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

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Location

Slieve na Calliagh [Sliabh na Cailli] location map

Grid reference: N586775

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