An evocative and enigmatic megalithic monument on the slopes of Tountinna in the Arra Mountains, with sweeping views over Lough Derg — far more impressive for its setting and folklore than the modest stones themselves.
The monument itself is a scattered group of low orthostats (standing stones) partially hidden in gorse and undergrowth. The tallest stone stands about 1.2m high. Look for a small trodden opening in the gorse off the road — the stones are easy to miss despite the large brown tourist signs on the approach. They are thought to be the remains of a prehistoric court cairn or wedge tomb, dating to the Bronze Age.
The real draw here is the walking. Park at the Graves and follow the Lough Derg Way up Tountinna (Hill of the Wave, 463m). It's about 4km round trip to the Millennium Cross at the summit, with mesmeric views over Lough Derg and the Clare hills. The climb is steady with no flat sections; bring a headlamp if you're going for sunset.
A signposted looped walk — the Graves of the Leinstermen Loop — takes you up over Laghtea hill (site of a ruined 1932 Eucharistic Congress cross) and Tountinna, mostly on quiet roads with some rough, steep sections. Allow about 2–3 hours. Waterproof footwear is advised; some sections can be boggy or have a trickle of water running down the path.
The prominent viewing point on the R494 known as 'The Lookout' offers panoramic views across Lough Derg to the Slieve Bernagh mountains and Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) with its round tower. This is the main parking area and the trailhead for the Lough Derg Way.
Legend ties the site to Brian Boru: the King of Leinster and his retinue were supposedly ambushed and slaughtered here while crossing enemy territory to attend a wedding in Limerick. A large boulder downhill — Knockaunrilaghin ('the small hill of the King of Leinster') — is said to mark the king's actual burial. The stones, however, predate Brian Boru by roughly 2,000 years.
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