Brownshill Dolmen

Brownshill Dolmen is a very large megalithic portal tomb situated 3 km east of Carlow, in County Carlow [1]. Its capstone weighs an estimated 150 metric tons, and is reputed to be the heaviest in Europe [1]. The tomb was built between 4000 and 3000 BC [1]. It is distinguished for the flanking of its burial chamber with two large upright stones supporting the granite capstone of the chamber [1]. The capstone is thought to have been covered by an earthen mound and a gate stone blocked the entrance [1]. At Brownshill both portal stones and the gate-stone are still in situ; the capstone lies on top of the portals and gate-stone and slopes to the ground away from the entrance [1]. The dolmen has not been excavated [1].