Co. Clare, Ireland
Poulnabrone
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Not really near anything. About an hour northwest of Shannon and can be viewed if you’re heading towards the Cliffs anyway.
53.04869° N, 9.14002° W
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There is a dirt lot off the road. Parking is free.
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The megalith is a few hundred yards away from the car park. Follow the dirt path up to the field.
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Pros: It’s amazing to see something 6,000 years old.
Cons: It’s far so you’re using valuable time to travel.
There’s really no information about what it is, who built it, or it’s intended use.
You can’t get up close because it is roped off.
**I left feeling underwhelmed.
History
Poulnabrone dolmen is an ancient megalithic site, much like Stonehenge. Sitting on the highest point of a large field in Clare County, it is one of the largest megaliths in all of Ireland. Built sometime between 4200 and 2900BC, not much is known of the structure and what it was used for, but at least 30 sets of bones were found during excavation inside of the formation. Although not the original burial site of the bodies, it is thought they were transported to the portal tomb later and buried in a ritual of some sort.
The site is pretty far out in the middle of nowhere, no surprise there. I don’t know that I can honestly say an hour in the car to trek out to Poulnabrone was worth it. For a more detailed analysis and my feelings about visiting the site, check out my travel blog.
