A 5,000-year-old Neolithic portal tomb whose granite capstone is reputedly the heaviest in Europe — more than 100 tonnes of rock balanced on upright stones in a quiet Carlow field.
Europe's heaviest megalithic capstone — a granite slab of 100-plus tonnes (some estimates say up to 150) — rests on two portal stones flanking a door stone and slopes west onto a low boulder. There are no barriers, so you can walk right up and touch the stones. Granite seats and an information sign sit beside the monument.
A 0.5 km tarmacked path leads from the car park to the dolmen in about six minutes, crossing a small stone bridge over a stream under a canopy of trees. It is bumpy in places but is generally passable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
A free lay-by for 10-20 cars sits on the R726 Hacketstown Road, 3-5 km east of Carlow town, signposted from the route. The road is busy with no separation from the parking area, so hold onto young children. From the car park you can see the dolmen across the field.
The tomb faces roughly east-west, and the low morning sun rakes across the tilted capstone — the best time for photos, and usually the quietest. The site is part of Ireland's Ancient East and is often empty, giving a peaceful, atmospheric visit.
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