The Dolmen de Ballykeel is an imposing monument made up of 3 blocks of stone supporting a 4th block which forms the top of the dolmen. Particularly popular with visitors, the Ballykeel dolmen is renowned for its excellent state of preservation, as well as for its imposing size.
The Ballykeel dolmen is located 5km from Forkhill, and is easily visible from the road. Visits are free and open to all.
The dolmen takes the form of 3 stone blocks forming a tripod strong enough to support a 4th block, 3 metres long. In 1965, archaeological excavations began on the outskirts of the dolmen. On this occasion, the table was replaced by a new block of stone with a similar shape to the first, due to its poor condition.
Also discovered near the dolmen were the remains of an ancient cairn, a kind of tomb with a covered passageway, now completely collapsed.
According to archaeologists, the dolmen and its cairn would have served as a funeral altar and a place where certain sacred rituals and ceremonies were performed. However, we still know very little about these strange constructions…
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Ballykeel Rd, Mullaghbawn, Newry (County Down) - Northern Ireland
54.131617, -6.478323
30 minutes
4.00/5 (7 votes)