[3][4] The cairn dates back to the early Neolithic, c. 4000 BC.

The cairn was visible from all parts of the surrounding countryside (at least until the view was blocked by modern tree-planting).

[5][6] Local legend connected the cairn with the urn burial of a nobleman's daughter.

If mortals eat certain foods they can see the gold treasure buried with her; perhaps a remnant of ancient shamanic rituals.

Another legend claims that Fionn mac Cumhaill threw a stone from Slieve Gullion to Mullyash (a distance of 16.6 km / 10.3 mi), and this is the standing stone that still is there.