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Haroldstown Dolmen: A Portal to the Past

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Explore the ancient Haroldstown Dolmen in County Carlow, a striking portal tomb offering a glimpse into Ireland's Neolithic past.

The Haroldstown Dolmen, located in County Carlow, is a well-preserved portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic period (circa 2500 BC). It features a massive capstone supported by upright stones, creating a striking monument in a peaceful, rural setting. The dolmen offers a glimpse into Ireland's ancient past and the burial practices of its early inhabitants.

A brief summary to Haroldstown Dolmen

  • Paulville, Co. Carlow, IE
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Haroldstown Dolmen.

  • Note that the dolmen is on private land and can only be viewed from the road unless you have permission from the landowner.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding terrain may be uneven.

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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from Carlow town, head southeast on the R726 towards Tullow. After approximately 8 km, turn left onto the R724. Continue on the R724 for about 3 km until you reach the village of Paulville. The dolmen is located off the main road, but there is no formal parking area. Please park with caution.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Haroldstown Dolmen by public transport, take a bus from Carlow town to Tullow. Bus services such as the 132 or 874 operate this route. From Tullow, you will need to walk approximately 4 km to Haroldstown Dolmen. Head southeast on the R726 until you reach Paulville. Once in Paulville, follow the signs for the dolmen. Check bus schedules in advance. A single fare from Carlow to Tullow costs approximately €3-€6.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Carlow town. A taxi from Carlow town to Haroldstown Dolmen will cost approximately €9-€12 and take about 4 minutes.

Discover more about Haroldstown Dolmen

Haroldstown Dolmen is a captivating megalithic monument situated in a roadside pasture near Paulville, County Carlow. Constructed around 2500 BC, this portal tomb is a significant example of Ireland's rich prehistoric heritage. The dolmen consists of two large, overlapping capstones resting on ten vertical stones, forming a chamber that is larger than most dolmens of its kind. The larger capstone measures almost 4 meters long.Legend has it that the capstone was thrown by a giant, and his handprint can still be seen on the underside. In the 19th century, the chamber was reportedly used as a makeshift dwelling. Today, Haroldstown Dolmen stands as a testament to the burial rituals and engineering skills of Neolithic communities.While the dolmen is located on private land, it is visible from the road. Visitors can admire its graceful appearance and ponder the mysteries of its ancient origins. The surrounding pastoral landscape adds to the serene and mystical atmosphere of the site. Haroldstown Dolmen is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with Ireland's distant past.

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