Guide to Waterford Monuments

Wedge Tombs

Wedge Tombs are so called because of their distinctive shape, with the front of the monument being both wider and taller than the rear.

These tombs, which date from the Late Neolithic – Early Bronze Age period, consist of a long narrow burial chamber which is broader and higher at the entrance and tapers in height and width towards the back of the monument.

Most were incorporated into a mound or stone cairn with the entrance invariably facing South West. Unlike Passage Tombs, they are often found in low lying areas.

Excavations have indicated that  they were used for collective burials of both cremation and inhumation. Over 500 have been identified in Ireland but their distribution in the South East is sparse with Waterford having just two examples at Carrickavantry and Munmahoge (pictured above).