Early Irish History and Antiquities and the History of West Cork
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The cairn is composed of stones, and in many cases has chambers. Cists are often found in the chambers. Human remains have been found in all of them, and in many cairns there were sculptured stones, bone implements, beads of amber, and glass, bronze rings, iron implements, and rude prehistoric scorings. At Loughcrew there are cairns 180 feet in diameter. Cairns are among the most ancient monuments in the country. Some were raised over heroes who fell on the battlefield of Moytura.