Europe’s heaviest capstone

This is the ever-impressive Brownshill Dolmen. It reputedly has the heaviest capstone not only in Ireland but also in Europe which has been estimated to weigh over 100 tonnes! The earliest portal tombs date back to 4000 BC and many were usually surrounded by mounds of stones called cairns. Portal tombs usually point east and have 2 main stones at the entrance. These were then capped by a large ‘capstone’ that usually sloped towards the back of the chamber. When an important member of the family died their bones were cremated and placed inside the chamber. It is believed that maybe when the rays of the morning sunshine hit the back of the chamber then the spirit would be taken off to another world.

Thanks to Carlow Tourism for fab video