Poulnabrone Dolmen: Ancient Symbol of the Burren’s Mystique

Standing alone on the limestone plains of the Burren in County Clare, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland’s oldest and most photographed megalithic monuments. This iconic portal tomb dates back over 5,000 years, offering a haunting glimpse into Ireland’s Neolithic past.

Its name, “Poulnabrone,” translates to “the hole of the sorrows”—a fitting description for a site that once held the remains of over thirty people, along with simple burial offerings like pottery and tools. The structure’s dramatic silhouette—massive capstone resting on two vertical stones—has become a symbol of Ireland’s ancient heritage.

More than just a burial site, Poulnabrone likely served as a sacred space for ritual and remembrance. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its timeless presence and the stark, otherworldly beauty of its surroundings.

Whether you're exploring the Burren or simply drawn to Ireland’s ancient wonders, Poulnabrone Dolmen remains a powerful link to the people who walked this land millennia ago.