Carn Bane East is situated on the hill known as 'Sliabh na Callaighe' or 'the Hill of the Witch'; not surprisingly we have strong affinities with this ancient site and visit it often. It is believed to have been built around 3,500BC, predating New Grange by at least 500 years. It may infact have been the blueprint for it, considering its structure.

The Entrance way is similar in form to that of NewGrange, being serpentine and having stone lintels both top and bottom of the passage. Spiral patterns similar to those in NewGrange and Knowth can be found.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are also several other patterns which are interesting. These are 'flower' and 'star' patterns. It is believed these are astronomical and indicate certain times of the year when the Tomb was used. These would make a lot of sense as the Tomb was aligned with Spring Equinox (Ostara)

The main Chambered Tomb is surrounded by the remains of much smaller tombs, now in ruins. It must have once resembled the complex at Knowth, which it has a lot in common with. Like Knowth and NewGrange, the familiar spiral patterns are also present on these stones.

Stones were placed around the outside of the smaller Chambered Tombs to prevent soil erosion, but over 5,500 years this has not prevented it. This has resulted in several 'Stone Circles' being present on Sliabh na Callaighe.