Proleek Dolmen

Standing at around 3 metres high Proleek Dolmen in Co Louth is one of the most photographed portal tombs in Ireland. The capstone weighs at least 35 tons and is balanced on three legs the two front or portal stones are about 2 metres high. As you can see from the second picture on the left the backstone has been supported by other stones crudely cemented into the ground.

Known as the Giant's Load, it is believed it was carried to here by the Scottish giant named Parrah Boug McShagean, who is said to be buried nearby. Local legend says that if you throw a small stone onto the capstone and it stays there, you will be married within the year.

Discovery Map 29: 08 11.

Photos: Jim Dempsey.

Proleek Gallery Tomb

Close by is an almost unmentioned wedge shaped gallery tomb. To visit the dolmen you must go by this small but equally interesting tomb. In the bottom picture you can see how the construction of the gallery tomb has been very precise.

Situated: About 4 miles north of Dundalk on the N1 Newry road you will come to a roundabout signposted for the Ballymascanlon Hotel, follow the signs for the hotel, at the left hand side of the car park is a gateway signposted Proleek dolmen follows the signs and take the pathway across the golf course, the tombs are on the grounds of the golf course.

Discovery Map 29: 08 11.

Photos: Jim Dempsey.