Kilcooney Dolmen
One of Ireland’s finest prehistoric monuments, Kilclooney Dolmen is an impressive Neolithic portal tomb near Ardara, featuring a massive capstone that has stood for more than 5,000 years against the backdrop of Donegal’s beautiful countryside.
Just a short drive from Ardara, Kilclooney Dolmen is one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Ireland. Dating from around 3500 BC, this magnificent Neolithic portal tomb has survived for more than 5,000 years and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in the country.
The monument is dominated by an enormous capstone—measuring almost six metres in length and among the largest in Ireland—which rests on two towering upright portal stones. The skill and ingenuity required to construct such a monument without modern machinery continues to amaze visitors today. Just a few metres away lies a second, smaller dolmen, now partly collapsed, which is thought to have once formed part of the same burial complex beneath a shared cairn.
Set in peaceful farmland with sweeping views across the surrounding landscape, Kilclooney Dolmen offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, history or simply discovering one of Donegal’s hidden gems, a visit to this extraordinary monument is a journey back to the very beginnings of human settlement in the county. Visitors can reach the site via a short walk along a farm lane, and as it is located on private farmland, care should be taken to respect the countryside and leave gates as they are found.
Kilclooney
Ardara
353749545010
info@ardara.ie
- Fee: Free
- Opens Daily: All Day
- Closes Daily: All Day
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Just a short drive from Ardara, Kilclooney Dolmen is one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Ireland. Dating from around 3500 BC, this magnificent Neolithic portal tomb has survived for more than 5,000 years and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in the country.
The monument is dominated by an enormous capstone—measuring almost six metres in length and among the largest in Ireland—which rests on two towering upright portal stones. The skill and ingenuity required to construct such a monument without modern machinery continues to amaze visitors today. Just a few metres away lies a second, smaller dolmen, now partly collapsed, which is thought to have once formed part of the same burial complex beneath a shared cairn.
Set in peaceful farmland with sweeping views across the surrounding landscape, Kilclooney Dolmen offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, history or simply discovering one of Donegal’s hidden gems, a visit to this extraordinary monument is a journey back to the very beginnings of human settlement in the county. Visitors can reach the site via a short walk along a farm lane, and as it is located on private farmland, care should be taken to respect the countryside and leave gates as they are found.
