Don't be fooled by the apparent earthen mound covering this monument - it is a turf covered concrete dome that was constructed after the site was excavated in 1953 although it's original name still remains, 'Barclodiad y Gawres' means the 'Giantess's apronful'. The dome replaced what was presumably a cobble stone cairn that had been heavily robbed as an easy source of building material in the 18th century. It is what is inside however, that is of interest, unfortunately it is kept behind locked gates in perpetual semi darkness and unless you have access to the key* and a powerful torch the remains of this passage grave must be glimpsed through iron bars.
The grave itself consists of a northern 6 metre passage that leads to a central chamber with a further 3 side chambers - one to the east and a double chamber to the west. This type of burial chamber is related to some of those in Ireland and further links with that country are provided by the carved stones that make up the tomb - three of the stones in the passage and two in the chambers are decorated with spirals, chevrons and lozenges.
When the site was excavated the cremated remains of two youths were found in the western chamber as well as animal bones and a hearth containing many reptile and small mammal bones as well as fish and shellfish remnants.

Glossary Item: Neolithic

*Update 2009 - For many years it was possible to borrow a key to the inner chamber from the Wayside Store in Llanfaelog but due to vandalism this is no longer possible. Visitors should contact the store to arrange an appointment to be accompanied to the site by a member of staff who allow them access. This is restricted to Saturdays, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays between 12-4pm from the beginning of April to the end of September.