Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

About the museum

Carrowmore lies on the Cúil Íorra peninsula south-west of Sligo town and is the largest and oldest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland. More than thirty monuments survive in the fields today, and the tombs were built almost 6,000 years ago. The cemetery is part of the wider Sligo passage tomb landscape, which also includes the cairn on Knocknarea hill, and that landscape is on Ireland's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The monuments are in State care and are managed by the Office of Public Works, which operates the site through its Heritage Ireland service. A small visitor centre next to the tombs introduces the archaeology of the area, and guides lead visitors around the monuments during the season.

The visitor centre was extended and refurbished in 2025 with funding from Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The works added new interpretation and exhibitions, baby-changing facilities, a sheltered area for guided tours and better access, and the upgraded centre was officially opened on 1 April 2026.

Highlights

• Largest and oldest group of Neolithic tombs in Ireland, with over 30 surviving monuments
• Refurbished visitor centre with exhibition, opened in April 2026
• Guided tours of the monuments in the surrounding fields
• Views towards Knocknarea and Ben Bulben

Permanent exhibition

• Carrowmore visitor centre exhibition – New interpretation in the refurbished visitor centre explains the archaeology of the Neolithic cemetery and its landscape.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland)

Admission & discounts

The OPW Heritage Card gives free entry to OPW sites.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Heritage Ireland describes access to the site as limited, with uneven walkways and challenging ground around the monuments. The refurbished visitor centre has improved accessibility. Only assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

The refurbished visitor centre has baby-changing facilities. The ground around the tombs is uneven.

Getting there & parking

Carrowmore is 4 km from Sligo town centre on the R292 towards Strandhill, and 5 km from the Sligo to Dublin road, leaving the N4 at the N4/R292 junction.

Amenities & dining

Toilets are available at the site and there is an all-weather shelter for visitors. Card payments are accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit