A 15th-century neolithic cairn in the Burren in Clare has been vandalised. The cairn on the Blackhead mountain range is known as Cathair Dubh Brainin and according to environmentalists "is hardly recognisable".
Mr John McNamara, a local, said the cairn has been totally distorted. About a lorry load of stones was taken from the base and placed on top. "It knocked the cairn completely out of shape". Mr McNamara said he found the vandalised cairn recently with a group of European conservationists attending a symposium.
"They were absolutely horrified that such an important historical site should be damaged in such a mindless manner."