Workers are replacing the corroded roof of Northern Ireland’s 5,000-year-old Slieve Gullion Passage Tomb, which is closed during repairs. Archaeologists and engineers carry most materials up the 1,800-foot mountain each day; work is expected to finish by Dec. 21.
Local archaeologist Stuart Alexander told the BBC that an engineering report last year found the roof installed in the 1960s so corroded it was close to failure. The replacement includes four new steel beams and plates, plus a cage to let light into the chamber. The team is monitoring existing cracks for movement.
Some materials arrive by helicopter, but most are carried up the mountain; the climb takes about 40 minutes from the highest parking lot. Ecological permissions were required because the tomb is in an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
