Welcome to this short tour of some of the more notable megalithic sites around Ireland. This is really just a taster of what Irelands stone and bronze age heritage has to offer, there are many more to be discovered in the categorised sections above. To visit a site, view more photos and find out a bit more, click on the link beside each photo. To continue on to the next page, use the links at the bottom of each page or the small numbered quick links just below this message. Enjoy!
Craigs Dolmen, Co. Antrim
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'Craigs Dolmen' is actually the remains of a passage tomb although it could easily be mistaken for a portal tomb as no sign of a passage remain. The capstone is cemented back together and is not angled (as most portal tombs would be). It is now home to a small bunch of very curious sheep who are very protective of it.
The unusual finger like orthostats make this a very curious monument, well worth a visit.
Click here to see more photos of this tomb and the nearby wedge tomb.
Glendruid (Brennanstown) Dolmen, Co. Dublin.
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A very impressive portal tomb located in a quiet river valley just outside Dublin. The capstone weighs over 40 tonnes and despite being supported by a concrete frame inside, the structure is very complete.
Click here to see more photos of this tomb..
Ballymacdermot, Co. Armagh.
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If you like to take risks you can chance driving up the narrow and twisty road that brings you to this gem of a court tomb, if you would like to visit this tomb in the snow, book a helicopter! The views are stunning, and the tomb, although lacking a roof, is in very good condition. The little information board at the entrance claims this tomb was damaged by maneuvering tanks during the second world war!
Click here to see more photos of this tomb.
Aghnacliff Dolmen, Co. Longford.
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This is a bizzare structure, only one portal stone remains and this supports one of two large capstones. The smaller capstone rests on two orthostats and supports the underside of the larger capstone. From some angles it looks like a visual illusion but once seen from all angles you can see this delicate balance is quite sturdy.
click here to see more photos of this tomb
Click here to continue on to page two of the tour or click '3' below...
Kiltiernan Dolmen, Co. Dublin
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Quite similar to Glendruid above, Kiltiernan dolmen also has a wedge shaped capstone that looks completely different from opposite sides though sadly the north side is a barrage of brambles. Now supported by concrete pillars, this tomb is not too far from Dublin and is one of the best dolmens you can visit on a daytour of county Dublin.
Click here to see more photos of this tomb.
Goward Dolmen, Co. Down
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This tomb is located in a nice quiet cul de sac, tucked away in the corner of a small field. The capstone is ridiculously large and looks overweight compared to the orthostats and portal stones. Getting this mighty boulder to such an extreme angle and keeping it there for 5,000 years is an amazing achievement.
click here to see more photos of this tomb
Ballynageeragh Dolmen, Co. Waterford
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Whether due to a lack of original material or understanding of ancient architecture, someone has rebuilt this portal tomb as if it came flat packed with no instructions. A modern concrete wall props up the rear since the 40's and the chamber is now triangular because the side stones have nothing to lean against but themselves.
Even so, you can imagine this was once a fine tomb with a very well chosen capstone and it has the character of an old man determined to ignore the fact that his legs are falling from under him.
click here to see more photos of this tomb
'Leac An Scail' aka Kilmogue Dolmen, Co. Kilkenny.
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Irelands tallest portal tomb at Kilmogue near Mullinavat really is a sight to behold, positioned next to a babbling brook, you can imagine how impressive this tomb was when seen in a landscape without hedgerows and walls. The chamber is almost complete and is tiny compared to the huge portal and door-stones and the highly angled capstone. You really have to stand beside this monster to appreciate it.
Click here to see more photos of this tomb.
Dooeys Cairn (Ballymacaldrack), Co. Antrim
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A nice example of a court tomb that has been extensively excavated yielding many artefacts and cremated burials placed in pits inside the galley. Although now a little boxed in by the surrounding fence this tomb has very easy access and has lots of information posted on two information boards.
Click here to see more photos of this tomb.
Dowth Passage Tomb, Co. Meath.
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The oldest of the three main passage tombs in the Boyne Valley (there are many smaller sites), Dowth has not been excavated as extensively as Knowth or Newgrange, though it bears large scars from previous botched attempts, one side of the cairn is missing and the centre has been almost hollowed out, presumably for road and wall building.The two chambers are closed to the public but the south chamber opens on Winter Solstice which is aligned to the setting sun. The interior photos of the chamber and artwork were taken December 21st 2004 though many carvings can be seen on the visible kerb stones that mark the full extent of what is still a very impressive monument.
Click here to see more photos of this tomb including ancient artwork inside the south chamber.
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