Climb Tountinna
A zig-zag path climbs on to Tountinna (463m), the highest point of the Arra Mountains, for still wider views. Radio masts crown the summit.
Graves of the Leinstermen
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About
Mysterious Bronze Age stones on a heathery shoulder of Tountinna in the Arra Mountains, wrapped in a legend of Brian Ború and looking out over the whole length of Lough Derg.
Things to Do
Hunt out the stones
The monument is a scattered group of low slabs and small orthostats, the tallest only about 1.2m, half-swallowed by gorse and heather. There is little on-site interpretation, so look for the trodden gap in the gorse just off the road.
The Brian Ború legend
Local lore holds that the stones mark where the King of Leinster and his retinue were ambushed and killed on Tountinna as they crossed to a wedding near Limerick. Archaeologists, though, date the monument to the Bronze Age, about 2,000 years before Brian Ború.
The view over Lough Derg
The real reward is the outlook from this high, heathery shoulder of the Arra Mountains, across the full length of Lough Derg to the Clare hills beyond.
Walk the Leinster Men loop
A waymarked 5.8km walking loop of about two hours starts at the site, following natural terrain with moderate gradients. It is billed as family friendly and a must for history and nature enthusiasts.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking: Ample parking at The Lookout viewing point on the R494 at Portroe, the trailhead of the waymarked Lough Derg Blueway walk; the stones are reached by a minor road about 500m off this route.
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