We thought that we were off to see a wedge here but it turned out to be a fine example of a Linkardstown Kist (my first). It is situated somewhat precariously at the side of a drive to a private residence (in construction).
The capstone is still in place and measures 1.4m wide and 1.1m deep. One of the wall slabs has been pushed inwards allowing a good view at the other sloping wall slabs inside.
As we were leaving the land owner arrived and told us of a standing stone (which keeps falling) that is located behind a tree just to the south. He also said that he intended to build a wall around the kist to protect it, allaying our fears of someone hitting it with a car in the future.
This is an explanation of (and a bit of a disclaimer for) the coordinates I provide. Where a GPS figure is given this is the master for all other coordinates. According to my Garmin these are quite accurate. Where there is no GPS figure the 6 figure grid reference is master for the others. This may not be very accurate as it could have come from the OS maps and could have been read by eye. Consequently, all other cordinates are going to have inaccuracies. The calculation of Longitude and Latitude uses an algorithm that is not 100% accurate. The long/lat figures are used as a basis for calculating the UTM & ITM coordinates. Consequently, UTM & ITM coordinates are slightly out. UTM is a global coordinate system - Universal Transverse Mercator - that is at the core of the GPS system. ITM is the new coordinate system - Irish Transverse Mercator - that is more accurate and more GPS friendly than the Irish Grid Reference system. This will be used on the next generation of Irish OS maps. |