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Proleek Dolmen
Dundalk, Co. Louth
Hidden gem
Family friendly
Free to visit
Free car parking
Dog friendly
This is a fine example of a Portal Dolmen in the grounds of the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk County Louth. The capstone which weighs about 35 tons is supported by three standing stones.

The magnificent Proleek Portal Tomb, is situated in the grounds of Ballymascanlon Hotel on the legendary Cooley Peninsula in County Louth. It is one of the finest examples of its kind in Ireland. Portal tombs have two tall stones at the front (portal stones) and a smaller stone at the back supporting a large capstone. A portal tomb resembles a giant’s table and is sometimes called a dolmen, which comes from the Breton word tolmen meaning stone table.

Proleek Portal Tomb is about 3m high and has a huge capstone weighing approximately 35 tons. Legend says that a wish will be granted to anyone who can throw a pebble on its capstone so that it stays there. The two front portal stones are 2m high. Known as the Giant’s Load, it is believed that it was carried to Ireland by a Scottish giant named Parrah Boug McShagean (who is said to be buried nearby). There is also a Bronze Age wedge tomb nearby.

Access:

By foot, about 300-400m from hotel car park but there are firm surface paths all the way.

Facilities:

Cark park, bus park, wheelchair access, toilet and restaurant facilities in nearby hotel.

Tips from locals

Go across the road to the right where you will find Strandfield Café, it's great for food, veg, flowers and bric a brac.

Contact details
Proleek, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 30 minutes here.

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