Key for Cairn T
The key for Cairn T is held at Loughcrew Garden Visitor Centre during opening hours (049 8541060). This is 3 km from the Cairns.

Garden Opening Hours:
March 17th - September 30th: ~ Daily 12.30pm - 5.00pm
Oct 1st - March 16th: ~ Sundays and Bank Holidays Only: ~ 1.00pm -4.00pm

Outside these hours, we will try to release the key to you by arrangement from Loughcrew House, about ½ mile from the Gardens (049 8541356 or info@loughcrew.com).

Either way, the key will not be released before 10.00am or after 4.00pm. The key must be returned before 5pm or before dark, whichever is earlier. (We will not reserve the key ~ it is released on a first-come basis. However we will endeavour to arrange for you to collect it from the previous visitor if feasible. This is not often a problem.)

The deposit of a Passport, Driving Licence or €50.00 is required, also a note of your name, vehicle details and address/contact number.

Although there is no charge for releasing the keys, we always appreciate your custom in the Gardens, the Visitor Centre and Shop, (or perhaps the Studio Furniture Shop or the Loughcrew Garden Opera!)

N.B. The key only provides access to Cairn T, on Carnbane East (the main cairn). We do not hold a key to Cairn L (Carnbane West) and for this you must contact:

The Office of Public Works (OPW)
National Monuments Section
Tel: +353 (0) 1 6476916 - Marian McLaughlin
Email: marymclaughlin@opw.ie
or
Tel: +353 (0) 1 6476915 - John O'Dea
Email: johnodea@opw.ie

They only release this key to serious visitors (eg those with an authentic research interest) and require you to get the permission of the landowner. They release the key at their discretion from their Trim depot.

N.B. On Equinox and Solstice mornings, the OPW will attend with their key, and our Cairn T key cannot be released then or the preceeding day.