Kilclooney More
Portal Tombs
At Kilclooney More, Co Donegal there are a number of megalithic sites, including two portal tombs and the remains of a court tomb. The larger of the portal tombs has a capstone some 20ft long and as with most portal tombs seems to change form as you move around it, I have tried to show this in the images I have chosen for this page.
Not more than 20 yards from this dolmen is a much smaller partially collapsed portal tomb pictured below.
It is believed a single cairn may have completely covered the two tombs.
Excavations at Kilclooney unearthed fragments of Neolithic pottery. I would strongly recommend a visit to this megalithic site for the atmosphere alone, Kilclooney More is without doubt one of my favorite sites. About half a mile west of here is a Court tomb in fairly good condition. Other sites in this area include Doon Fort and Glencolmcille.
Situated: Six kilometres North of Ardara, County Donegal. From Ardara take the R261 North to Kilclooney, facing the new Dolmen Centre in Kilclooney is a church, take the small track to the left of the church, this track takes you up to two houses, the house on the right belongs to landowner Tony Mcnelis, please ask for permission to visit the dolmen, you will also pass through a gate please make sure this gate remains closed. The dolmen are around 400 metres up tthis track..
Discovery Map 10: G 723 967. Last visit November 2002.
Court Tomb
The Court Tomb at Kilclooney is about 500 metres directly west of the portal tombs it has some corbelling on the south side and a lintel is still spanning the gallery, although not the finest example of a court tomb, if you are in the area this tomb is well worth a visit.
Situated: On a farm about 5 1/2 kilometres North of Ardara on the R261, there is a farm gate on your left, you can see the tomb from here, the farm house is directly opposite on the Eastern side of the road.
Discovery Map 10: G 717 967. Last visit November 2002.
Photos: Jim Dempsey.
