Do you want to explore the ancient wonders of the megalithic sites in Ireland, where history, mystery, and breathtaking landscapes come together?
Then you’ve landed in the perfect spot!
These historical structures, 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.
There are numerous megalithic sites in Ireland, with large clusters found in counties such as Cork, Meath, Sligo, Clare, and Kerry.
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.
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 examples being Newgrange and Knowth in Ireland’s Boyne Valley.
Dolmens
Dolmens are 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 ones 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).
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.
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 for anyone fascinated by ancient history. The breathtaking landscapes that come with it are just a bonus!
1 – Newgrange
First on the list has to be Newgrange!
Newgrange, also known as Brú na Bóinne, is located in County Meath and is less than an hour’s drive from Dublin.
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 – Stonehenge.
But what Newgrange is most famous for is its alignment with the winter solstice, a celestial event that occurs around December 21st every year.
During this period, a beam of sunlight alignes with the passage tomb’s entrance and illuminates the inner chamber.
How they were able to build and calculate this back in those days 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.
2 – Loughcrew Cairns
Another megalithic site found 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
Unlike Newgrange, this attraction is free to visit.
3 – Drombeg Stone Circle
Drombeg Stone Circle is located in County Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. To get to this destination will take over one hour by car from Cork City.
This site is another free attraction, 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 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
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.
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 destinations for history enthusiasts and nature lovers, and we highly recommend staying here for a few days! Entree is 5 euro per person.
Please support Happy Irish Wanderers and help us grow by using the provided links. This will earn us a small commission, but won’t cost you anything extra!
5 – Poulnabrone Dolmen
Situated within the unique landscape of “The Burren“, County Clare, lies the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Irelands’ oldest megalithic sites.
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?!
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a perfect inclusion on your 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 another 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 without any charge.
If you want to 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, then check out the link below!
7 – Beltany Stone Circle – County Donegal
Another stone circle we will mention in this article is the Beltany Stone Circle
The monument is one of Ireland’s largest stone circle with 64 remaining stones and 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 that was found here dates back to the Iron Age and indicates that life continued here for many centuries after it was built.
This 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 free to visit, it’s worth noting that parking spaces are limited. The carpark is located only 300 meters and a short walk to the Beltany Stone Circle.
8 – Brownshill Dolmen
Situated near Carlow town, Brownshill Dolmen is the largest of dolmens in Ireland with a massive capstone weighing over 100 tons!
The 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
Located in County Sligo, Carrowmore is one of the largest megalithic cemeteries in Ireland, with over 35 tombs dating back nearly 5000 years.
The site which includes passage tombs, dolmens, and stone circles is so significant to Irish 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
Last on our list of the greatest megalithic sites in Ireland is the Uragh Stone Circle.
Despite the circle only containing 6 stones, it is the background of Lough Inchiquin, the Caha Mountains, and a cascading waterfall that make this stone circle stand out from others.
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. 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.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
