Boulder Dolmens/Tombs

Welcome to Shee-Eire.com section on Boulder Dolmens/Tombs. A Boulder Dolmen refers to a comparatively small capstone set on low supporting uprights. They are often associated with Stone Circles. They are broadly classed as megalithic monuments within the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (c. 4000–1500 BC). Dolmens are found all over Ireland, but the greatest concentrations are in the north and east (especially counties Clare, Carlow, Waterford, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal). Boulder Dolmens are more localized, found especially in Cork, Kerry, Leitrim and parts of Sligo. Over 180 portal tombs (dolmens) are recorded in Ireland, with dozens of boulder tombs as a subtype. Some have cup-marks (small carvings) on the capstone, linking them with rock art traditions.