Last updated on March 12th, 2025 at 03:31 pm
Do you want to explore the ancient wonders of the best megalithic sites in Ireland, where history, mystery, and breathtaking landscapes come together? Then you’ve landed in the perfect spot!
There are numerous megalithic sites in Ireland, with large clusters found in counties such as Cork, Meath, Sligo, Clare, and Kerry. These ancient sites in Ireland, ranging from giant constructed passage tombs to mysterious stone circles, date back over 3000 years.
Scattered across the country, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the customs, beliefs, and daily existence of those who inhabited Ireland a millennia ago.
Now is the time to experience the magic of Ireland’s megalithic heritage, where every stone tells a story waiting to be heard.
What Is Megalithic?
What exactly does the term “Megalithic” mean?
“Megalithic” refers to construction involving large stones used in prehistoric times to build structures such as passage tombs, dolmens, cairns, and stone circles.
What are Passage Tombs?
Passage tombs are burial chambers covered by earth and stones. The tombs have a passage leading to the central chamber, hence the name!
They are commonly found in Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, with the most famous passage tomb in the world being Newgrange and Knowth in Ireland’s Boyne Valley.
What are Dolmens?
Dolmens are ancient structures consisting of two or more upright stones supporting a horizontal stone slab or capstone. They were often used as tombs or burial chambers and are found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The most popular dolmens in the world are Poulnabrone Dolmen in Ireland, Dolmen de Menga in Spain which is the largest in the world, and Dolmen de La Roche aux Fées in France (Brittany).
What are Cairns?
Cairns are piles or mounds of stones, often used as burial markers or monuments. They can vary in size from small piles to large mounds, and they are found in many cultures and regions worldwide.
The Cairn of Barnenez in France is one of the largest megalithic mausoleums in the world.
What are Stone Circles
Stone circles are circular arrangements of standing stones, often found in groups or as individual monuments. They come in all sizes and are presumed to have served for ceremonial, religious, and astronomical purposes.
The most famous stone circle in the world is Stone Henge in the United Kingdom.
10 Greatest Megalithic Sites In Ireland
Let’s find out our selection of the top 10 greatest megalithic sites in Ireland, that are an absolute MUST visit in Ireland for anyone fascinated by ancient history. The breathtaking landscapes that come with it are just a bonus!
1 – Newgrange, County Meath
First on the list of best megalithic sites in Ireland has to be Newgrange!
Newgrange is located in County Meath and is part of Brú na Bóinne, along with Knowth and Dowth. From Dublin to Newgrange by car is less than one hour’s drive.
This massively constructed monument is the most renowned of all the megalithic sites in Ireland.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newgrange is a prehistoric passage tomb, decorated with famous and very recognizable ancient Celtic stone carvings.
It is believed that Newgrange was constructed over 3200 years ago making it older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the most famous megalithic site in the world, Stonehenge in the UK.
But what Newgrange is most famous for is its alignment with the winter solstice, a celestial event that occurs around December 21st every year.
On the morning of the winter solstice, a beam of sunlight aligns with the passage tomb’s entrance and illuminates the entire inner chamber of Newgrange.
How they were able to build and calculate these ancient monuments back in those days without using modern tools is absolutely remarkable!
Booking tickets before your visit to Newgrange is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as tickets are often booked months in advance due to the high demand.
Secure your tickets now by clicking the link below.
2 – Loughcrew Cairns, County Meath
Another famous megalithic site in County Meath is the Loughcrew Cairns, a megalithic cemetery that contains nearly 30 passage tombs. It is possible to enter some of these tombs.
Located near the town of Oldcastle, this site is conveniently accessible within a 45-minute drive from Newgrange by car. Along the route, you’ll pass through the historic town of Kells, famous for the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript created by Celtic monks around the year 800 AD and on display in Trinity College.
Unlike Newgrange, this ancient site in Ireland is free to visit.
3 – Drombeg Stone Circle, County Cork
Drombeg Stone Circle is located in County Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. It takes one hour by car from Cork City to Drombeg Stone circle.
This ancient site in Ireland is another free attraction to visit in Cork, and since it is ideally situated between the must-visit towns of Clonakilty and Skibbereen, it makes a perfect addition to your County Cork itinerary.
The Drombeg Stone Circle is composed of 17 large stones, with 16 standing upright and one lying flat. This stone is known as the “Druids’ Altar,” and it is believed to have served as both an altar and sacrificial table in ancient pagan times.
In fact, in 1957 when the site was excavated, human remains were found in the center of the Drombeg Stone Circle dating back 2000 – 3000 years ago.
4 – Dún Aonghasa, County Galway
Dún Aonghasa (pronounced Dun Angus), is one of the most iconic megalithic sites in Ireland.
The ancient stone fort is located on Inishmore Island (Aran Islands, County Galway) and is accessible only by ferry which means reaching this attraction demands a little extra effort. The best way to visit Dún Aonghasa is to stay in Doolin for a few days, allowing you to explore more of the best attractions in Doolin such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park.
What makes this megalithic monument so unique is the horseshoe shape it was built in, with the open area on a cliff edge and a 100-meter drop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Dún Aonghasa and the Aran Islands are must-see attractions in Ireland for history enthusiasts and nature lovers, and we highly recommend a visit. The entree to Dún Aonghasa is 5 euros per person.
Ferries run daily from Galway to Inishmore, leaving at 10:30 AM and returning at 5:00 PM. Click here to secure your seat!
5 – Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare
Situated within the unique landscape of “The Burren“, County Clare, lies the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland’s most famous megalithic site.
For those unfamiliar with The Burren’s natural beauty, it’s a vast expanse of rocky terrain that looks more like the moon than it does Ireland.
Still standing after being built over 4000 years ago, Poulnabrone Dolmen is believed to have been a grave and was constructed with one massive capstone supported by sturdy portal and support stones.
Again, how did they manage to construct this back in those days?!
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a perfect inclusion on your Ireland itinerary when visiting County Clare. With free entry and parking, why wouldn’t you visit?
Consider visiting the famous Megalithic sites in Ireland as part of a 2-week Ireland itinerary.
6 – Hill of Tara – County Meath
The Hill of Tara is an ancient archaeological complex that is located in County Meath, about 15 minutes by car from Navan.
According to Irish mythology, Tara was considered the most important political and ceremonial site in ancient pagan Ireland. So nothing to do with a girl’s name!
It served as the symbolic and spiritual center of the country, where High Kings were inaugurated, laws were enacted, and important religious ceremonies took place.
Visitors can explore the Hill of Tara and its surrounding ancient monuments free of charge.
There are day trips from Dublin that incorporate a visit to the Hill of Tara alongside Loughcrew Cairns, the historic town of Trim where the movie Braveheart was filmed, and the gorgeous medieval Fore Abbey, check out the link below for more information.
7 – Beltany Stone Circle – County Donegal
Another famous stone circle in Ireland is the Beltany Stone Circle in County Donegal.
The ancient site is one of Ireland’s largest stone circles with 64 remaining stones at an impressive diameter of nearly 50 meters (150 feet).
Dating back nearly 5000 years ago to the Bronze Age makes Beltany Stone Circle older than Stone Henge, and one of the best megalithic sites in Ireland to visit.
A stone head found here dates back to the Iron Age and indicates that life continued here for many centuries after the Beltany Stone Circle was built.
This historical Ireland landmark is located near the small village of Raphoe, which means Ringfort of the Huts when translated from the Irish language, Getting to Raphoe from Letterkenny will take around 20 minutes by car.
Although the Beltany Stone Circle is free to visit, it’s worth noting that parking spaces are limited. The carpark is located only 300 meters and a short walk away.
Experience the best attractions in Northern Ireland on a 3-day tour from Dublin. Explore breathtaking sites like the Giant’s Causeway, The Titanic Experience in Belfast, Dunluce Castle, the historic city of Derry, the monastery at Monasterboice, and much more.
Prices start at €399 per person, which includes accommodation, entrance fees and transportation. Click the link below for more details!
8 – Brownshill Dolmen, County Carlow
Situated near Carlow town, Brownshill Dolmen is the largest of dolmens in Ireland with a massive capstone weighing over 100 tons!
The Brownshill Dolmen is in the middle of a Barley field on the former estate of the Browne Family, hence the name!
It is believed that someone of significant importance at the time was buried there over 5000 years ago.
No admission fee is required to visit Brownshill Dolmen, and while parking spaces are limited, they are also free. A short 5-minute walk will lead you to this gigantic megalithic monument.
9 – Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, County Sligo
Located in County Sligo, Carrowmore is one of the largest megalithic cemeteries in Ireland, with over 35 tombs dating back nearly 5000 years.
The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery includes passage tombs, dolmens, and stone circles and is so significant to Irish culture and heritage, that it is currently awaiting its approval for a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The entree fee is only 5 Euro per adult, and the opening hours are from 10.00 until 18.00, although the last admission is at 17.00. Guided tours are also available.
10 – Uragh Stone Circle, County Kerry
Last on our list of the greatest megalithic sites in Ireland is the Uragh Stone Circle.
Despite the Uragh Stone Circle only containing 6 stones, it is the background of Lough Inchiquin, the Caha Mountains, and a cascading waterfall that make this stone circle one of the best ancient attractions in Ireland.
Uragh Stone Circle is located in County Kerry in the beautiful Beara Peninsula and takes 20 minutes by car from the popular town of Kenmare, which is a great stop while exploring the Ring of Kerry.
The entry fee is 5 Euros and must be left in an honesty box that is at the entrance.
Stay in Kenmare
We would recommend staying in Kenmare so you can also include the Ring of Beara, a very scenic driving route that circles the entire peninsula with coastal cliffs, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages.
Other nearby attractions are Dursey Island (Accessible by Ireland’s only cable car), and the Healy Pass, a famous scenic mountain road that winds its way through the Caha Mountains.
Final Tips About Megalithic Sites In Ireland
- Respect the Sites: Megalithic sites in Ireland are ancient and culturally significant places. Treat them with respect by not climbing on the stones, littering, or causing damage to the site in any way.
- Be Mindful of Weather: Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable with all 4 seasons happening in one day, so come prepared for rain, wind, or cold temperatures, even in summer. Bring a change of clothes and spare socks just in case!
- Rent a car: The best way to explore the best megalithic sites in Ireland is by car as most of these sites are not easy to get to with public transport. Discovery Cars is the leading platform for comparing all rental car options in Ireland. Just remember, we drive on the LEFT side of the road!
Are there any megalithic sites in Ireland that we forgot to mention?
Feel free to leave any tips, stories, or questions you have.
We love to hear about all things Ireland so please feel free to leave a comment below about how you got on, or even better, leave us a message on our socials.
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[…] The ancient landscapes of Neolithic Ireland show a fascinating connection between famous passage tomb complexes. Sites like Lough Crew, Tara, Newgrange, and Carrowmore in counties Meath, Sligo, and Clare share striking similarities. They also align with the stars, giving us a glimpse into the knowledge and beliefs of Ireland’s first people10. […]
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