Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Ireland  /  Province of Leinster  /  County Carlow  /  Carlow  /  Brownshill Dolmen

Brownshill Dolmen, Carlow

4.4
#4 of 24 in Things to do in Carlow
Monument · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
Brownshill Dolmen (Dolmain Chnoc an Bhrúnaigh in Irish) is a very large megalithic portal tomb situated 3 km east of Carlow, in County Carlow, Ireland. Its capstone weighs an estimated 100 metric tons, and is reputed to be the heaviest in Europe. The tomb is listed as a National Monument. Known as the Kernanstown Cromlech, sometimes spelled as Browneshill Dolmen, it is sited on the former estate house of the Browne family from which it takes its name.
The tomb was built between 4000 and 3000 BC. It is distinguished for the flanking of its burial chamber with two large upright stones (orthostats) supporting the granite capstone (roof) of the chamber. The capstone is thought to have been covered by an earthen mound and a gate stone blocked the entrance. 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.

The dolmen has not been excavated. A nearby fourth upright stone stands close by and might be the remains of a forecourt.
Put Brownshill Dolmen into our Carlow trip planner to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Carlow.
Source
Create an itinerary including Brownshill Dolmen
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Brownshill Dolmen reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
165 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By Terence O
    The sheer size of the gigantic capstone on this dolmen is awe-inspiring. Excellent co-operation between farmer and state to enable full access via walkway from small parking area at the roadside.  more »
  • By Marioa05
    This is the second time visiting the Dolmen. Signage to get to it is very poor. It is in the middle of a farmers' field!! You dont appreciate the size of it until you are up close! Also it's free.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Keith Dowling
    Nice bit of history here. Huge rock nicely balanced. That's about it
  • By Ian Vickery
    Plenty of space to park and a short walk to the dolmen. Really tranquil setting with seats available just to sit and marvel at this fascinating ancient structure. Well worth a visit.
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Carlow

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Carlow

Royal Oak Distillery ©
Distillery Tour
Royal Oak Distillery
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Delta Sensory Gardens ©
Garden
Delta Sensory Gardens
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Duckett's Grove ©
Historic Site
Duckett's Grove
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Carlow County Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Carlow County Museum
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Carlow

Wicklow Mountains National Park ©
National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Glendalough Village
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
Irish National Heritage Park ©
Park
Irish National Heritage Park
County Wexford
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Wells House & Gardens ©
Garden
Wells House & Gardens
Gorey
4.3
Duration: 4 hours
Our Ladys Island Lake ©
Water Body
Our Ladys Island Lake
Wexford
4.5
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Carlow

Rancho Reilly ©
Farm
Rancho Reilly
3.7
Duration: 2 hours
County Carlow Military Museum ©
Military Museum
County Carlow Military Museum
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Morgan's Garden Centre ©
Garden
Morgan's Garden Centre
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Visual Carlow ©
Civic Center
Visual Carlow
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Carlow

Paddle Your Own Canoe
Kayaking / Canoeing
Paddle Your Own Canoe
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary ©
Architectural Building
Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
4.7
Duration: 30 minutes
Milford Mills
Architectural Building
Milford Mills
4.3
Duration: 2 hours
Carlow Tours ©
Sightseeing Tour
Carlow Tours
4.4
Duration: 2 hours

Shopping in Carlow

Soultrader
Gift & Specialty Shop
Soultrader
4.0
Duration: 2 hours

Parks in Carlow

Carlow Town Park ©
Playground
Carlow Town Park
3.4
Duration: 1h 30 min

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Brownshill Dolmen by other users

31 days in County Wexford BY A USER FROM IRELAND Fethard On Sea Gorey 5 days in New Ross BY A USER FROM IRAN Seat of the Kings of South Leinster Sculpture Brownshill Dolmen Arboretum Home & Garden Heaven, Inspirational Gardens & Rachel's Café 59 days in Gorey BY A USER FROM IRELAND Ballymoney Golf Course Kia Ora Mini Farm The Gaslamp Gallery 60 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Dingle Killarney Kinsale 20 days in Gorey BY A USER FROM IRELAND Courtown Woods Kia Ora Mini Farm The Gaslamp Gallery 15 days in Gorey BY A USER FROM IRELAND Courtown Woods Kia Ora Mini Farm The Gaslamp Gallery