Kilclooney Dolmen, County Donegal Travel Guide

4.5 (104)

Discover Kilclooney Dolmen, an impressive Neolithic portal tomb in County Donegal, offering a captivating glimpse into Ireland's ancient past.

Kilclooney Dolmen, located near Ardara in County Donegal, is an impressive portal tomb dating back to 4000-3000 BC. It features a massive capstone supported by upright stones, creating a striking silhouette against the Irish landscape. This well-preserved megalithic structure offers a glimpse into Ireland's ancient history and the ingenuity of its Neolithic inhabitants.

A brief summary to Kilclooney Dolmen

Kilclooney More, Co. Donegal, IE
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear appropriate footwear, as the path to the dolmen can be wet and boggy.
Remember to close the gates when entering and exiting the field, as it is located on private farmland.
Take your time to explore the smaller, partly collapsed dolmen located near the main structure.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Largy Viewpoint

Donegal Castle

Fairy Bridges

The River Bank Walk, Donegal Town

Neds Point Fort

Explore Kilclooney Dolmen on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kilclooney Dolmen, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Ardara, take the R261 towards Portnoo and Narin. After approximately 5 km, you'll reach a bend in the road where the road to Narin and Portnoo turns down. At this bend, you will see St. Conal's Church on your right and the Dolmen Centre. Park at the Dolmen Centre. From the Dolmen Centre, walk to the left of the church where you will see a laneway next to a farmhouse. Follow this laneway for about 400 meters, closing all gates behind you, until you reach the Kilclooney Dolmen. There is no fee to visit the Dolmen. Parking at the Dolmen Centre is free.
Walking

From Kilclooney, the Kilclooney Dolmen is a short walk from the Dolmen Centre. Walk to the left of the church where you will see a laneway next to a farmhouse. Follow this laneway for about 400 meters, closing all gates behind you, until you reach the Kilclooney Dolmen. There is no fee to visit the Dolmen.

Discover more about Kilclooney Dolmen

Kilclooney Dolmen, also known as Kilclooney More Dolmen, is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved portal tombs in Ireland. Situated in County Donegal, approximately 6.5km north-north-west of Ardara, this ancient monument dates back to the Neolithic period, between 4000 and 3000 BC. The dolmen consists of a massive granite capstone, measuring roughly four by six meters, resting on two 1.8-meter-high upright stones, known as portals, and a backstone. The capstone's streamlined profile has inspired observers to see resemblances to a bird, a fish, or even the Concorde jet.What makes Kilclooney Dolmen particularly fascinating is the presence of a smaller, partly collapsed dolmen just a few meters west of the main structure. It is believed that both dolmens were once covered by the same east-facing cairn, traces of which remain today. The site also features a notable 'chocking stone' on the backstone of the main dolmen, which may have been used to adjust the angle of the capstone during construction. Fragments of undecorated Neolithic pottery have been discovered at the site, offering further insights into the lives of the people who built and used these monuments.Visiting Kilclooney Dolmen offers a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland's ancient past and appreciate the ingenuity and skill of its Neolithic inhabitants. The surrounding landscape adds to the site's allure, providing a tranquil setting for reflection and exploration.