The Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland’s most iconic prehistoric monuments — a 5,800-year-old Neolithic portal tomb consisting of three massive standing stones capped by a 1.8-metre-long capstone, rising starkly from the limestone pavement of the Burren in County Clare. Older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, Poulnabrone is one of the most photographed archaeological sites in Ireland — and also one of the most productive: excavations in 1986 revealed the remains of at least 33 individuals buried there over a period of 600 years.

Quick Facts: Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland

• Best time to visit: Year-round; dawn and dusk offer the most atmospheric light and fewest visitors; spring and autumn for the Burren’s wildflowers
• Age: Approximately 5,800 years old — built between 3800–3200 BC
• How to get there: Located on the R480 road in the Burren National Park; ~45 minutes from Galway; ~1 hour from Shannon Airport; free access with a small parking area
• Entry fee: Free — the dolmen sits in open farmland adjacent to the road (please respect the grazing livestock)
• Combine with: The Cliffs of Moher (~30 minutes south), the Burren’s unique limestone pavement and arctic-alpine flora, and the nearby Caherconnell Stone Fort

If you are going to Ireland and you are not interested only in big cities, or Guiness, then you must see The Poulnabrone Dolmen – another prehistoric monument that is similar to Stonehenge in England.

More than 5.000 years ago, the early inhabitants of the area, used slabs of limestone to build temples and portal tombs, sometimes called dolmens. Poulnabrone Dolmen is probably the most photographed monument throughout Ireland. It lies on the west of the Ireland, in County Clare, in the Burren karst area. A number of these interesting sites are spread throughout the Burren.

The entire structure of Poulnabrone Dolmen consists of 9 m deep burial chamber whose entrance is turned over to the east. Archaeological research in 1985 showed that there were 16 to 22 adults and 6 children buried, including their personal things. Found here such as stone axes, bone pendants, ceramic products and weapons. Poulnabrone Dolmen was therefore an important ceremonial site used in the Bronze Age.

View The Poulnabrone Dolmen – another Stonehenge in Ireland in a larger map

Have you photographed Poulnabrone Dolmen or explored Ireland’s ancient sites? Share your favourite prehistoric discoveries in the comments! 🗿

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