Standing stone, Málainn Mhóir, Co. Donegal
In the rugged landscape of Malin More valley in County Donegal, a solitary standing stone rises from the sloping pasture, marking a spot that has intrigued archaeologists and locals alike.
Standing stone, Málainn Mhóir, Co. Donegal
Known as Cloghacorra, this impressive monolith stands 2.05 metres tall, measuring 0.76 metres north to south and 0.4 metres thick. Historical Ordnance Survey maps from the late 19th century show two stones at this location, designated as DG089-006002 and DG089-006003, though only one remains standing today.
Just three metres west of the standing stone sits a substantial cairn, stretching 15 metres from north-northeast to south-southwest and rising between 0.6 and 0.9 metres in height. While the cairn’s presence adds to the site’s mystique, local knowledge suggests it’s a relatively modern addition rather than an ancient monument. The entire site occupies a patch of poor pastureland on the northern side of the valley, positioned 27.5 metres south-southwest of a portal tomb, creating a fascinating cluster of archaeological features in this remote corner of Donegal.
The documentation of these monuments comes from the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, compiled in 1983 by Brian Lacey and his team of researchers. Their work catalogued field antiquities spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century, providing invaluable insights into the rich archaeological heritage of this windswept Atlantic county. The standing stone at Cloghacorra, whether marking an ancient boundary, burial, or ritual site, continues to stand sentinel over the valley, a tangible link to the prehistoric peoples who once inhabited this dramatic landscape.





