Ireland’s 2nd heaviest capstone

The Kilternan Dolmen is believed to have the 2nd heaviest capstone in Ireland (next to The Brownshill Dolmen in Carlow). It has been estimated to weigh approximately 80 tonnes and measures 21 feet X 15 feet. The word ‘dolmen’ translates from a Breton word meaning ‘stone table’ and was first used by Victorian antiquarians who thought druids used these structures for performing rituals. These structures are however much older and are now officially known as ‘portal tombs’. Many portal tombs point east-west for the rising and setting sun, this one, however, points towards the south – possibly towards the nearby Little Sugar Loaf Mountain which was thought to be a sacred place in ancient times. It was recorded that a family lived under this capstone in the mid-1800s. (Please Note * It is located on private grounds – access by appointment only).

Thanks to Neil Jackman and The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for excellent video