🌄 Poulnabrone Dolmen

The tomb sits on a low mound amid limestone pavement characteristic of the Burren, near the R480 road about 8 km south of Ballyvaughan. The exposed karst gives wide views and a stark, windswept setting that made the site highly visible in prehistory. (Burren Geopark, Clare Heritage)

Poulnabrone is reachable by car from the R480 (Ballyvaughan–Corofin), about a 50–60 minute drive from Shannon Airport. The exact site lies in the townland of Poulnabrone, Kilcorney — look for the small car park and a short walk across uneven ground. (Ireland.com / Failte Ireland, Burren Geopark)

A managed car park was established to prevent roadside congestion; capacity is limited and popular summer months can be busy. Larger coaches often use lay-bys nearby — follow local signage and park only in the designated area. (Irish Times reporting on car-park plans, Burren Geopark)

The site is an unguided national monument in state care (Office of Public Works). There are no visitor buildings at the tomb itself; allow time for the short walk, and wear sturdy footwear — surfaces are uneven limestone pavement. Respect ropes and signage around the monument. (Heritage Ireland, Ireland.com)

Excavations in 1986 and 1988, led by archaeologist Ann Lynch, removed the capstone briefly for conservation and recovered the remains of multiple individuals (around 28–33 minimum individuals by later analysis) and associated artifacts; radiocarbon dates place most burials between c. 3800–3200 BC. (Irish Archaeology, Heritage Ireland)

Grave goods recovered include a polished stone axe, pottery fragments, flint tools, bone pins, disc beads and large quartz crystals. Many artifacts (and interpretations of the human remains) are on display or interpreted at the Clare Museum in Ennis. Recent scientific work has refined our understanding of diet, mobility, and even genetic findings from remains discovered there. (VisitClare / Clare Museum info, Irish Archaeology summary)

The monument sits on Carboniferous limestone laid down ~330–345 million years ago; the surrounding limestone pavement with grikes and clints is a defining feature of the Burren and influences vegetation, archaeology, and walking conditions. (Burren Geopark, Clare Heritage)

Poulnabrone is photogenic at sunrise and sunset when low light emphasizes textures and the capstone silhouette. Because it’s a protected monument and can be busy, keep to paths, avoid climbing on stones, and be courteous to other visitors. (Ireland.com photography notes, Heritage Ireland)

The tomb is a state guardianed National Monument; conservation work in the 1980s stabilized cracked stones and the site is managed to balance visitor access with protection of the monument and the fragile karst landscape. Please follow signage and leave no trace. (Heritage Ireland, Irish Times on management)

Combine a visit with other Burren sights: Clare Museum in Ennis for artifacts, the Burren National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher to the west. Local villages like Ballyvaughan offer services and visitor amenities. (Burren Geopark, VisitClare)

There are no on-site staff; ground is uneven and can be slippery when wet. Stay off the stones, supervise children, and avoid parking on narrow roads. Mobile reception is patchy in parts of the Burren. (Heritage Ireland warning, Irish Times safety coverage)

Poulnabrone Dolmen (Poll na Brón) is a striking Neolithic portal tomb set in the wild limestone of the Burren — rich in archaeology and easy to visit, but fragile and protected. See finds at the Clare Museum and follow local guidance to help preserve this ancient monument. (Heritage Ireland, VisitClare)