Kilclooney Dolmen Donegal
Kilclooney Dolmen Donegal – An exceptionally fine portal-tomb or dolmen, prominent on the skyline 1/4 mile to the east of the main road, 4 miles north-north-west of Ardara. It displays the classic features from which this type of monument derives its name.
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The matched portal stones and gracefully uptilted capstone (nearly 20 feet long and one of the largest in Ireland) oversailing the chamber entrance convey a sense of architectural awareness on the part of the builders and its streamlined profile has inspired numerous analogies; a bird, a fish, Concord, etc. depending on the imagination of the observer. The tomb is substantially complete. A low sill-stone set between the 6 feet high portals closes off the chamber entrance.
The lower end of the capstone does not rest directly on the back-stone as is usually the case, but is supported instead by a small intermediate stone whose function may have been to give increased height to the chamber. Fragments of undecorated Neolithic pottery were the only recorded finds.
A short distance west of this tomb is another similar construction but on a very much smaller scale. It is now partly collapsed. A modern field wall separates the two, which were evidently mounded over by the same east-facing cairn, traces of which remain.
Getting There
Take the R261 from Ardara towards Portnoo, just before you get to Kilclooney you will see the Dolmen to your right in a field. Park your car at the Dolmen Centre (Eco-Tourism Centre) and walk over to Kilclooney Church. to the left of it, there is a path in the grass that will lead you up to the Dolmen. It is on the land of a farmer, who is well used to people visiting the Dolmen, just close the gate behind you and don’t be afraid of the friendly dog that will lead the way for you!
Kilclooney Dolmen Location Map
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Location of more Megalithic sites in County Donegal