The site was excavated in 1989 after local residents reported human bones surfacing from the soil.
Radiocarbon dating of remains found at the site suggests the tomb was used between 2500 and 2000 BC.
Archaeologists discovered a large quantity of white quartz pebbles placed within the tomb, which are believed to have held symbolic or ritual significance for the Neolithic builders.
The tomb's structure features a distinct 'wedge' shape, where the gallery is widest and tallest at the front before tapering toward the rear.
Several pieces of Beaker pottery found during excavations indicate human activity continued at the site into the Bronze Age.
The Altar Wedge Tomb is a Neolithic burial site overlooking Toormore Bay on the Mizen Peninsula. It consists of a gallery chamber approximately 3 meters long, characterized by a large capstone that rests on supporting orthostats. Excavations conducted in the late 1980s revealed human remains and artifacts, including quartz crystals and pottery shards. The tomb is oriented toward the southwest, aligning with the setting sun during the winter solstice. It is situated on a rocky outcrop known as the Altar, which gave the local townland its name. The site remains a prominent example of wedge tombs, which are the most numerous type of megalithic tomb found in Ireland.
From the coastal side of the tomb, capturing the structure with Toormore Bay and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
Wear waterproof footwear as the ground surrounding the tomb is frequently soft and boggy.
Be prepared for high winds, as the site is fully exposed to coastal weather conditions.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mizen Head Signal Station for a full day on the peninsula.
Do not rely solely on GPS, as local boreens (narrow roads) are often poorly mapped; follow local signage for the 'Altar' or 'Toormore'.
Do not climb on the capstone or move any stones at the site, as this causes erosion and structural instability.
