Poulnabrone Dolmen — Attraction in County Clare

We were lucky to visit this site on a lovely sunny day. I was a bit surprised at the crowds, but there was plenty of parking space, and a local man was there selling his handmade art — including necklaces where he can even add writing in ogham. A nice touch that made the stop more memorable.

The dolmen itself is one of the most iconic monuments in the Burren. It’s a Neolithic portal tomb, built over 5,000 years ago, and excavations revealed the remains of more than 30 people buried here, along with artifacts like pottery and stone tools. Standing in front of it, with its massive capstone balanced on upright stones, you really feel the weight of history against the stark limestone landscape.

Local folklore adds another layer: some say Poulnabrone is a doorway to the Otherworld, where the spirits of the dead could pass through. Stories link these ancient portal tombs to fairies and the sídhe, guardians of Ireland’s underworld. Even today, standing there in the Burren wind, it’s easy to imagine the site holding more than just stone — but memory and myth as well.

We really enjoyed the visit, though I’d recommend planning your trip carefully: the nearby Caherconnell Stone Fort closes early, while the dolmen is open 24/7. In hindsight, I wish we’d gone to the Stone Fort first and then visited the dolmen after, since you can always come here at any time of day.

It’s a place that combines natural beauty, archaeology, and folklore. Easy to access, free to visit, and definitely worth the stop if you’re...

Set in the mind-expanding Burren (exposed limestone 'plane') of Co. Clare, Poulnabrone is probably the most famous dolmen in Ireland. The massive capstone is supported by sheer weight on the uprights. The site is a tourist attraction, so can be busy. However, there are many sites within Clare that are equally worth visiting. The immediate area around the dolmen is roped off - unsurprising and neccessary. The barren landscape can leave you a bit bewildered, but it is part of the reason this tomb is so special.

The name is from the Irish Poll na mBrón ('hole of the quern stones') and the site is a Neolithic portal tomb, likely used between 3,800 and 3,600 BC, the capstone and portal stones create a chamber that would have been covered by a cairn; the sides of the chamber are actually held in place by the sheer weight of the capstone (Waddell, 2010, 101). Excavations found between 16 and 22 adults and six children buried at the site (Lynch 1986 and Lynch 1988).

Personal items buried with the dead included a polished stone axe, a bone pendant, quartz crystals, and the tip of an arrowhead in the hip bone of one of the males. Around 1700 BC, a newborn baby was buried just outside the entrance, highlighting the continued ritual significance of the site, long after it had been constructed.

It has also been suggested that the tomb could have continued as a ritual / ceremonial site until well into the...

Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of those places that never fails to take my breath away, no matter how many times I visit. It’s one of the highlights of our Ancient Spiritual Tours, and for good reason.

There’s something deeply moving about standing beside this 5,000-year-old portal tomb, knowing it has witnessed countless sunrises and the passing of ancient souls. It’s a place where time seems to dissolve, and you can almost hear the whispers of those who came before us.

Every group we’ve guided here has felt the powerful energy of this site, the connection to the ancestors, the stillness, and the deep peace that seems to rise from the very stones. It’s one of those sacred places that reminds us of the thin veil between worlds.

Seeing the look of awe and quiet reflection on my guests’ faces as they stand at the dolmen is a rewarding parts of my work. It’s these moments that make guiding with Ancient Spiritual Tours such a profound experience.

If you’re ready to connect with the ancient spirit of Ireland, to walk in the footsteps of the ancients, and to feel the heartbeat of this land, join us for a journey you...