Top Megalithic Sites in Ireland
Home > Tips > Megalithic Sites
Between 5000BC and 1000AD was a remarkable period in Irish history. Begining with stone circles, then passage and portal tombs, forts, towers, churches, monesteries and castles, the people used mostly native stone to build structures which are not only still standing but are among the most important megalithic structures in the world.
The passage graves of Knowth, Dowth and, especially Newgrange together form the Brú na Boinne complex, which has been designated a World Heritage Site. But even without visiting those remarkable places, you are certain to see megalithic sites wherever you go in Ireland, because they are everywhere. In these articles we give a a little background to the main types of Megalithic structures you are likely to encounter while touring Ireland, with some advice and hints about where and when to see them at their best.
In addition to the places mentioned on these pages, see also articles on Lough Crew and Ceide Fields.
Stone Circles
In simple terms stone circles are just that - rings of standing stones. The world's best known stone circle is Stonehenge, but Irish stone circles tend to be smaller and composed of smaller stones. They are found most often in...Read More >>
Round Towers
Round towers are found throughout Ireland, many in disrepair but quite a few still in good condition and a very few open to the those of the public willing to make the often arduous climb to the top. Almost all built between the 9th...Read More >>
Dolmens or Portal Tombs
Dolmens, properly called Portal Tombs, mark burial places in a very distinctive way, with large capstones elevated at an angle and held up by huge standing stones. They were created between 3000 BC and 2000 BC and are generally held...Read More >>
