Goward Dolmen

Hilltown, United Kingdom

Goward Dolmen is a megalithic dolmen or cromlech situated between Hilltown and Castlewellan The huge granite capstone has slipped from its original horizontal position. The capstone is 4m long and 3m wide, with an estimated weight of 50 tons. The capstone has shifted sideways on its supporting uprights, possibly due to the collapse of the backstone, and now overhangs the chamber on its north side. The unsegmented burial chamber is 9 feet long with an entrance on the east, flanked by orthostats which could be the remains of a crescent shaped facade. Its largest stone is the enormous capstone which has fallen sideways, revealing the megalithic chamber it once covered, in which a cremation urn and a flint arrowhead were found in 1834. Stones standing independently at the eastern side of the monument suggest that it may once have had a forecourt facade like a court-tomb.

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

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Brian Reilly (8 months ago)
Really impressive portal tomb dating back to the early Neolithic period . The capstone having fallen to the side a bit , still just about sits on the 2 portal stones is estimated to weigh 50 tons , which actually puts it on the smaller side of the portal tomb on the island of Ireland . The site is really well preserved and managed and has a couple of parking spaces and some nice information on site about findings of an urn full of cremated ashes and a flint arrow head that was found here in the 1840s . Has anyone got any information on where the urn or arrow head is now ?
Aaron Coey (2 years ago)
An even more impressive dolman than that at Legananny though a little harder to get to. Using SatNav? Then let it direct you! This small area has a more peaceful feel to it no doubt due to the trees and hedges and could be a good place for a rest and a picnic.
Pitiflauticus Yomismo (2 years ago)
If you are really into dolmens, or you are passing by the area with your car, you can take the 10 mins detour to visit this.. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it, though, as there is not a lot to see that you cannot see in pictures, and there is literally nothing else in the area - the road is a cul de sac that ends in the dolmen
Brian Hannon (3 years ago)
A hidden gem in the heart of Mourne Country yet not far from the main roads between Hilltown and Newcastle There is a rough road right to the dolmen so no need to dismount or walk.
Andrew McLaren (3 years ago)
One of the best ones I saw on my visit. Road goes right up to it so it's easy to access.
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