Aideens Grave

Situated in the grounds of Howth Castle lies the remains of what would of been a huge megalithic monument, the now slipped quartzite capstone weights an estimated 75 tons which would place it second in size to Brownes Hill dolmen in County Carlow. The portal tomb is aligned South East and the two portal stones,each one an estimated 2 1/2 metres high, and door stone still remain. You can see in the picture middle left where the capstone has slipped backwards from the portal stones.

Situated: From Dublin take the R105 North, as you come into Howth look for signs for Deer Park Hotel and Golf course on the right, drive into the grounds past Howth Castle and up to the Car park. Walk to the right of the Hotel and follow the pitch and putt course keeping to the left of the course after around 200 yards you should come to a small path on your left the dolmen is situated to the right of this pathway.

Discovery Map 50: O 277 383. Last visit January 2003.

Folklore: Known locally as Aideen's grave this tomb is said to be the burial place of Aideen the wife of Oscar the son of Oisin. Oscar the bravest of all the Fianna slew three kings in his first battle, he died at the battle of Gabhra and it is said that Aideen died in grief at her loss, so Oisin buried her at Howth and set a cairn over her, a burial usually reserved for great warriors or kings.

Photos: Jim Dempsey.