Darby's Bed, County Limerick

Darby’s Bed (also known as Duntryleague Passage Tomb), is the remains of a passage tomb, situated near the summit of a steep hill just outside the village of Galbally in County Limerick. We visited the site in November, and found it to be a really tranquil and atmospheric spot.

Facing south along the passageway toward the chamber

The interior of the chamber

The Neolithic tomb probably dates to around 3000 BC, and was once covered by a stone cairn or earthen mound. All that remains visible today are the stone orthostats that once lined the passageway and the capped chamber of the passage tomb. The entrance to the tomb faces north-west, possibly in alignment with the sunset at midsummer. Though the planted forest obscures much of the view, it is clear that this tomb once had spectacular views over the landscape. 


The tomb is steeped with legends and folklore, and the tragic lovers Diarmuid and Gráinne are said to have sheltered for a night inside this tomb when they were fleeing Fionn mac Cumhaill. This tomb is one of a number of prehistoric monuments in the locality, it really is a fascinating archaeological landscape.

Darby’s Bed is located just outside the village of Galbally in County Limerick. From the village square, head northwest and follow the signpost marked Duntryleague Cairns and Passage Tomb. Follow this small road for approximately 2km and you will come to a small gravel carpark on your right with a wooden sign marked megalithic tomb. Leave your car here and follow the path up the hill. It’s around a 500m walk though it is quite a steep climb, and comfortable boots are recommended. Just keep following the path straight up and you’ll see the tomb on your left. If you have time there is a marked hiking route around the area. To download a free hiking route map please visit here: http://visitballyhoura.com/index.php/2012/04/16/darbys-bed-loop-walk/.

The steep path to the site flanked either side by tall gorse bushes

The tomb at the end of the path

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A rainbow viewed over the shoulder of the chamber.

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One of the frequent heavy showers of the day, thankfully it was heading the opposite direction to us!

Some Sources and Recommended Reading

Herity, M. 1974. Irish Passage Graves. (Irish University Press, Dublin).
Jones, C. 2007. Temples of Stone. (Collins Press, Cork).
Waddell, J. 1998. The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. (Galway University Press, Galway).