Ballafayle Cairn

Ballafayle Cairn is a Neolithic (Stone Age) Burial site. The Neolithic Period sometimes referred to as the New Stone Age began around 4000 BC - 3000 BC and ended around 2000 BC - 1500 BC. Ballafayle Cairn is believed to date from 2000 - 1500 BC and overlooks Maughold. The site consists of a wedge shaped cairn, which contains stones that have been fused by heat and with a dry stone wall on one side. Cremated burials have been found in the cairn. It was discovered in 1926 during work being undertaken in Rhullick ny Quakeryn (Quakers Burial Ground) opposite the site. There was a partial excavation of the cairn undertaken by Manx antiquarian, historian and naturalist Philip Moore Callow Kermode (21 March 1855 – 5 September 1932). He was the first director of the Manx Museum (Manx: Thie Tashtee Vannin).

Getting there

Near Ramsey in the north of the Island.

• By car - The A2 from Ramsey and then the B19 to Ballajora. At the crossroads of the A15 turn right along a narrow road which will lead to the site.
• By bus - Route 16 from Ramsey to Ballajora and find the narrow road at the crossroads of the A15. Walk till you pass the site.
• By tram - Take the Electric Railway to Ballajora. Walk along the A15 till you come to the cross roads, then straight ahead along a narrow road leading past the site.