Pentre Ifan contains and gives its name to the largest and best preserved neolithic dolmen in Wales. As it now stands, the Pentre Ifan Dolmen is a collection of seven principal stones. The largest is the huge capstone, 5 m long, 2.4 m wide and 0.9 m thick. It is estimated to weigh 16 tonnes and rests on the tips of three other stones, some 2.5 m off the ground. There are six upright stones, three of which support the capstone. Of the remaining three, two portal stones form an entrance and the third, at an angle, appears to block the doorway.

The dolmen dates from around 3500 BC, and has traditionally been identified as a communal burial. Under this theory the existing stones formed the portal and main chamber of the tomb, which would originally have been covered by a large mound of stones about 30 m long and 17 m wide. Some of the kerbstones, marking the edge of the mound, have been identified during excavations. The stone chamber was at the southern end of the long mound, which stretched off to the north. Very little of the material that formed the mound remains. Some of the stones have been scattered, but at least seven are in their original position. An elaborate entrance façade surrounding the portal, which may have been a later addition, was built with carefully constructed dry stone walling. Individual burials are thought to have been made within the stone chamber, which would be re-used many times. No traces of bones were found in the tomb, raising the possibility that they were subsequently transferred elsewhere.

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Founded: 3500 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Michele Matthews (7 months ago)
I found my visit rather wonderful. The stones look like a work of art. Beautiful spot, surrounded by wonderful views of countryside and sea.
Paul Smith (7 months ago)
Awesome place, great outlook in good weather. Take care driving through narrow lanes. Limited roadside parking (about 5 cars or so).
Lisa B (8 months ago)
Beautiful pagan burial site. People have left offerings, and so did I. The massive stone is impressively balanced on smaller stones. Pentre Ifan’s serene and mystical atmosphere is truly captivating. The road here was a bit small for a campervan or bigger car, but the road was luckily not too busy.
Peter Thompson (9 months ago)
Free little piece of history for a 15 minute stop, admire the history & mystique, take a few shots and move on. Not worth a big drive unless this is a topic you are passionate about. Small layby is only parking (~4 cars). A short walk of 100 yards but no other facilities. A fairly narrow lane gets you to here. Worth pairing with the IRon village which is not far away at all. Sunny day get some lovey views.
Sha Witt (9 months ago)
Very impressive formation in a stunning place, worth a visit. Not too far from the road along a gravel type path and then grass.
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