Cairnholy Chambered Tomb # 2

Cairnholy # 2 Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic tomb built in the 4th millenium BC. There are in fact two chambered tomb sites that stand within just over 164 yards (150m) of each other in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh, Alba). They are known as Cairnholy # 1 and Cairnholy # 2  and the name Cairnholy derives from the Gaelic Càrn na h-ulaidhe ‘cairn of the stone tomb'. Both are very impressive and were tombs to honour the ancestors of the Neolithic farming communities that lived in this area between 6000 and 4000 years ago.

The entrance to Cairn # 2 was via a small forecourt framed by two large upright stones. Within the cairn was an outer chamber and beyond it an inner chamber sealed by an upright stone. This inner chamber was covered by a large flat capstone, which today remains in place although some of its supporting stones are now gone. Beneath the capstone the inner chamber can still be clearly seen. When excavated a flint knife and arrow head were found along with the remains of five or six Beaker pots in the outer chamber. Local tradition maintains that Cairnholy 2 was the tomb of the legendary Scottish King Galdus. The impact of deities, warriors and kings and queens of legend in all of the Celtic lands was so powerful that their names continue to be associated with geographical features and ancient monuments.

Both Cairnholy # 2 and # 1 are easy to reach and are clearly signposted and off the A75 road between Cardoness Castle and Carsluith Castle in Dumfries and Galloway. They are in a beautiful location on a gentle sloping hill above Kirkdale Glen looking towards Wigtown Bay and with the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) on the horizon.

Link: Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba.