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King Orry’s Grave

Neolithic chambered long cairns. The site is one of the most complete of the Island’s megaliths.

Opening Times

Open access all year round

Admission

No admission fee – open access

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About

Despite being surrounded by later developments, King Orry’s Grave is one of the most complete of the Island’s megaliths (stone monuments). The site comprises two sections, East and West, separated by a road. It is unclear whether they were ever connected.

King Orry’s Grave (East) was partially destroyed during the construction of the neighbouring house during the 1800s. Stones mark the edge of the cairn (man-made stone mound) which
once covered the burial chambers. An arc of taller stones partially encloses a semi-circular forecourt and dry-stone walls, approximately 1.5 metres high in places, indicate the cairns
original height. At the centre, 2 stones form an entrance leading into the first of three surviving burial chambers. The chambers were originally roofed with slabs, then buried
beneath the cairn. The stone lying in front of the tomb entrance may once have been the lintel. The remains of burnt animal bones, Neolithic (Stone Age) tool fragments and pottery
have been found in the area.

King Orry’s Grave (West) lies across the road and is accessed by a path which leads around a private house called ‘Gretch Lea’. The layout is similar to King Orry’s Grave (East). The site
has a forecourt, the remains of a curved façade and the three-metre-tall ‘King Orry’s Stone’ which forms part of the entrance to the burial chamber. The chambers were originally
roofed over and covered by a cairn. The chamber nearest to the house is constructed from massive slabs and is probably the first structure on the site with the leaning portal stones
being the original entrance. Two additional chambers, built from smaller slabs and with flagged floors, are from a later stage of construction. King Orry’s Grave was probably built about 6000 years ago and evidence shows that the monument was still being used 1000 years later. Despite the name , there is little evidence to link these sites with the semi-legendary King Orry.

Location

By Car:
From Douglas – Follow the A2 through Baldrine to Laxey. After the Fairy Cottage garage, turn right down Old Laxey Hill, pass over the Bridge and travel up Minorca Hill. From the Stop sign, go straight on at the crossroads and onto Ballaragh Road (B11).

Essential Info

For a guide to the accessibility of King Orry’s Grave please click HERE

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