The largest and most imposing dolmen in Europe! The Brownshill dolmen is located in County Carlow, just 3 km from the town of the same name. Imposing and wonderfully preserved, it stands in all its beauty not far from the N726 (the Hacketstown Road), in a typically Irish grassy landscape. You can even visit it from the road, and the dolmen itself is open to visitors: here’s what you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out!
Brownshill Dolmen – © MNStudio
According to archaeological studies, the Brownshill dolmen dates back to 3300 or 2900 BC. You’ll be struck by its sheer size: the dolmen is made up of 5 enormous blocks of granite stone, the table (the top) of which is said to be a gigantic block weighing over 100 tonnes! This staggering figure raises many questions about the processes used to raise the stone to the top of the other 4. To this day, theories still fluctuate…
Because of its massive structure, the Brownshill dolmen has been classified as the largest dolmen ever known in Europe.
Be that as it may, the dolmen has some similarities with other dolmens found in Ireland and elsewhere. Its structure faces east, so it enjoys maximum sunshine from sunrise.
In addition to this characteristic, the dolmen would have served as a funerary portal: the cavity protected by the granite blocks held the bones of the deceased, sometimes cremated, sometimes left as they were…
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Hacketstown Rd, Carlow (County Carlow) - Republic of Ireland
52.837337, -6.881004
20 minutes
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