Did you know? Ireland is a land literally overrun by dolmens! Although most guidebooks will point you in the direction of the Poulnabrone dolmen, one of the best-known in the country, there are other dolmens that are less well known, but of real tourist interest. The Bohatch dolmen is one of these: located in County Clare, it remains a window onto a fascinating prehistoric past.
The Bohatch Dolmen – © Failte Ireland
The story of Ireland’s Bohatch Dolmen is a fascinating one, part of the region’s rich megalithic heritage.
This dolmen, probably dating from the late Neolithic to the early Bronze Age in Ireland, i.e. between 2500 and 2000 BC, is a typical example of the megalithic tombs built by the first farming communities in Europe.
The Bohatch Dolmen is one of the many dolmens found in Ireland, known locally as “portals tombs”. These structures were used as burial sites and probably had ritual or ceremonial significance.
The Bohatch Dolmen is located in a relatively isolated landscape, which has contributed to its preservation. Although many dolmens have been destroyed or damaged over the centuries, the Bohatch has survived, offering a glimpse into the culture and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors.
It’s important to note that the site has never been fully excavated. As a result, much of its history and function remains shrouded in mystery.
However, dolmens are generally associated with funerary practices, and it is likely that the Bohatch Dolmen served as a burial site for individuals of high rank or importance in Neolithic society.
Today, the Bohatch Dolmen is an important heritage site, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with a distant past and marvel at the ingenuity and spirituality of Ireland’s ancient peoples.
The Bohatch Dolmen – © Destination Lough Derglar
A visit to Ireland’s Bohatch Dolmen is an ideal experience for history buffs, nature enthusiasts and those looking to connect with Ireland’s mystical past.
It stands majestically 3.5 kilometers north of Mountshannon, in East Clare. Located north of Route 4032, the site has the advantage of being free and easy to access.
For this ancient tomb rests on high ground, backed by the gentle slopes of the Slieve Aughty mountains, and is a short 50 metres from the bog road. The immediate environment, a peat bog dotted with heather, offers a rustic and natural landscape, serving as pasture for cattle and horses.
The Bohatch Dolmen is relatively accessible, although it may require a bit of walking through the local countryside. The paths leading to the dolmen are often well-maintained, but it is advisable to wear shoes suitable for walking on slightly uneven terrain.
On arriving at the site, visitors are immediately struck by the dolmen’s imposing stature and aura. The monument consists of several large vertical stones supporting an enormous horizontal slab. It’s a striking example of megalithic architecture, demonstrating the ingenuity and strength of Neolithic communities.
Visitors can stroll around the dolmen, observing it from different angles, and even sit for a moment to absorb the tranquil atmosphere of the site. It’s a perfect place for reflection and contemplation, offering a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
For photographers, the Bohatch Dolmen offers many opportunities to capture the beauty of this ancient monument with the natural landscape in the background. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the light plays on the stones in ways that can be truly magical.
Although the site itself does not have an interpretation center, visitors are encouraged to do some prior research or take along guides to better understand the dolmen’s history and significance. Informative signs can sometimes be found nearby, offering contextual information about the site and its historical significance.
In the immediate area surrounding the Bohatch wedge-shaped tomb, several other notable archaeological sites have been identified.
These include a menhir, two cist tombs and an enclosure. With the exception of the enclosure, it is likely that these monuments date from the same period as the corner tomb, suggesting that this area was an important burial site…
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