The Knockeen Dolmen is an Irish dolmen located near Knockeen in County Waterford, Ireland. If you like megaliths, this one might be worth a visit! The dolmen is one of the largest Neolithic buildings in the region, and considered one of the most beautiful in the country! Rather massive and stocky, it still carries with it thousands of years of mystery and history!
Knockeen dolmen – Fáilte IrelandThe Knockeen dolmen consists of 5 imposing stones supporting 2 main tables. These 5 retaining stones have rather impressive dimensions, some of them measuring up to 2.8 metres in height!
The dolmen is 3.5 metres high and 2.1 metres wide. In other words, you’ll feel very small in front of such a construction! The resulting chamber is virtually hermetic, and was once used for burial and ceremonial purposes. It was here that the remains of clan chiefs were deposited, as well as numerous everyday objects (pottery, arrowheads, weapons, etc. have been found on the site during archaeological digs).
It’s worth noting that over time, vegetation has gradually invaded the stone, giving it a little extra charm. It is of course possible to visit it, but beware of the proximity of an electrified fence: for safety reasons, you won’t be able to get too close.
The site is magnificent, and leaves one wondering: there are still many mysteries and secrets hovering over this dolmen. No one knows how it was built, or what methods were used to move such heavy, imposing stones… Although research into the subject continues, most of Ireland’s megaliths are protected by these mysteries… This adds an extra touch to each of these prehistoric constructions!
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
52.205600, -7.211200
30 minutes
