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Goward Dolmen Although I had seen many images of Goward portal tomb, I was still surprised by the size of the enormous capstone. I was also pleasantly surprised by the wonderful location of this tomb. The tomb was known as Pat Kearney's Big Stone, Pat lived in a thatched cottage in the same field as the dolmen, the remains of the cottage are just visible to the right of the dolmen in the image below. |
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Weighing an estimated 50 tons the huge capstone, which has slipped from the displaced portal stones, resembles a beached whale, barnacles and all. You can see into the exposed chamber with a large doorstone to the front,at the eastern side of the tomb is a free standing stone, front of image on the left, suggesting it may of had a forecourt facade. |
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Situation: From Newry take the B8 west for Hilltown, drive straight through Hilltown staying on the B8 heading for Castlewellan, after approx 3 kilometres, about 1 kilometre past the church, there is a right turn sign-posted Goward Dolmen follow the signs till you come to a small car-park next to the Dolmen. Discovery Map 29: J 244 310. Last visit March 2005. Photos: Jim Dempsey |
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