What is the significance of a big pile of gravel ? As I drove towards Eochy's Cairn (turn off near Neale on the R334 between Cong and Ballinrobe), I passed a large heap of boulders and stones in the middle of field. It's not unlike the cairn, except that it was created by a bulldozer, and signifies nothing more spiritual than the huge amount of land reclaimation (and bank borrowing) by farmers during the Seventies.
The cairn itself is at the end of a narrow lane (unless you own a Humvee, don't try to drive right up to the cairn). There is a newly planted pine forest in the next field and your best bet is to access the cairn via the forest.
According to Meehan, Eochy's cairn (Cairn Daithí) is associated with the battle of Maigh Tuireadh (Moytura), in which king Daithí (or Eochy) was killed. In Irish mythology, this battle (fought near Cong, which is only a few miles south of the cairn) caused the defeat of the Fir Bolg (who were the first inhabitants of Ireland) by the the Tuath de Daanan (who were the second). Harbison speculates that the cairn, which is 150 metres in diameter, and around 20 feet high, may contain a passage tomb.
What is indisputable is the magnificent view visible from the top of the cairn. The entire length of lough Mask is visible from the peak, as are both Maumtrasna and the Partry mountains.
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