Brownshill Portal Tomb (Dolmen) — Attraction in The Municipal District of Carlow

Brownshill portal tomb is an understated monument. On the surface, it is a pile of rocks in the middle of a farm field. Actually, below the surface too. There is a car park area, and a longish walk to get to the actual monument (a rather large boulder resting on two smaller boulders, which marked the final resting place of farmers in the area several thousand years ago), an interpretive sign, and that’s pretty much it. You go, you take a few pictures, you contemplate life from a few thousand years ago and then you look at the barley being grown in the field. It is a smaller Stonehenge, a tinier and less showy portal to the past. And probably because it is more human sized, it’s more relatable and prompts more reflection....

Not visible from the road. To get there, take the R726 and watch for a tiny visitor's car park on the side of the road. Keep an eye out for signs as it is easy to miss. Admission is free.

The dolmen sits in the middle of a barley field on the former estate of the Browne family from which it gets its name. It is barely visible from the road - but only if you know what to look for. From the car park, follow the narrow footpath around the field and up to the monument in the middle of a clearing. Takes about 5 minutes to walk.

Grounds around the dolman are well kept. A plaque describes the historical significance of the site. Though nice to see and learn about, little kids probably would not find it...

Truly remarkable monument to visit in Brownshill, Carlow. I would highly recommend for people to go and visit the Dolmen, because you don't realise the shear size of the capstone until you see it in person. A signpost containing historical information in both English and Irish is present. Two small stone benches are also provided at the monument for visitors and there is also free parking and a smooth pathway leading up to the Dolmen. There is really no excuse not to visit this beautiful piece of our...