Loughcrew, also known as the Loughcrew Cairns or the Hills of Loughcrew, is a complex of Neolithic passage tombs located in County Meath, Ireland. The site is situated on a series of hills known as Slieve na Calliagh, and it is one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Ireland. The tombs date back to the Neolithic period, approximately 5000 to 3000 BCE.

Key features and information about Loughcrew Cairns:

1. Location:
   • Loughcrew is located near the town of Oldcastle in County Meath, within the Boyne Valley, an area rich in ancient archaeological sites.
2. Passage Tombs:
   • Loughcrew is primarily known for its passage tombs, which are burial chambers covered with earthen mounds or cairns. The site includes around 30 passage tombs, some of which are well-preserved.
3. Slieve na Calliagh Hills:
   • The passage tombs are spread across a series of hills known as Slieve na Calliagh, which means “Mountain of the Witch.” The hills offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Cairn T and Cairn L:
   • Cairn T and Cairn L are two of the most famous passage tombs at Loughcrew. Cairn T is particularly well-known for its well-preserved megalithic art, including carvings and decorations.
5. Alignment with Equinox:
   • One notable feature of Loughcrew is the alignment of some passage tombs with the equinox. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight illuminates the interior of certain tombs, creating a phenomenon known as “equinox illumination.”
6. Megalithic Art:
   • The passage tombs at Loughcrew feature megalithic art, including intricate carvings and designs on the stones within the tombs. These carvings often depict spirals, concentric circles, and other geometric patterns.
7. Neolithic Burial Practices:
   • The passage tombs at Loughcrew were used for communal burials during the Neolithic period. Human remains have been found within the tombs, indicating their function as burial sites.
8. Visitor Access:
   • Loughcrew is open to the public, and visitors can explore the passage tombs and the surrounding landscape. The site provides an opportunity to experience the ancient history and archaeology of Ireland.
9. Cairn T Interpretation:
   • Cairn T, in particular, is known for its carvings, and some interpretations suggest that the carvings may represent a form of ancient astronomical or calendrical knowledge.

Loughcrew is an important archaeological and cultural site in Ireland, offering a glimpse into the Neolithic period and the burial practices of ancient communities. The equinox illumination adds an intriguing celestial aspect to the site’s significance.