1985:03 - CRAIGS, Antrim

A simple passage grave was described in the following terms in 1883: 'The capstone is a flat slab, over eight upright stones, forming a well-marked oval chamber, the major axis of which runs ENE by WSW. Formerly this monument was almost covered with earth, the capstone alone being exposed. The earth was removed some years ago, and the monument now stands on the natural surface of the ground. During the excavation the chamber was explored and a cinerary urn was discovered within' (W. Gray, J. Roy. Soc. Antiq. Ireland, 16, 1883-84, 361-62 P1. IV, 12).

During the winter of 1976 to 1977 penetrating water froze along lines of weakness in the basalt and shattered the capstone into five pieces. Excavation of the chamber and a rectangular area 10m by 4m, with the megalith at its centre produced no evidence for the base of the covering mound, and repeated ploughing throughout the last century may also account for the absence of evidence for a passage. The chamber had been thoroughly excavated and the fill was of modern date, although cremated bones and two sherds of coarse pottery were found redeposited. A charcoal sample found in a socket may date the construction of the megalith. The discovery of a socket helped in the replacement of a fallen sidestone and the repaired capstone was then returned to its original position.