Goward Dolmen

The Goward Dolmen is a portal tomb in County Down with a large granite capstone measuring four meters long and three meters wide, positioned about 4.3 meters above ground level. The monument consists of several standing stones supporting this massive roof stone.

This tomb was built during the Neolithic period when farming communities first settled in the region. Archaeological work in the 1800s uncovered burial goods like pottery and stone tools inside the chamber, showing it served as an important burial ground.

The site is known locally as Pat Kearney's Big Stone, a name that reflects how the community has lived with this landmark for generations. Local people still pass by and remember the monument as part of their everyday landscape and heritage.

This monument stands in a working farm between Hilltown and Castlewellan, reached via Goward Road. Bring sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing since the site is open and exposed to changing conditions.

The massive capstone weighs around 50 tonnes and has tilted from its original horizontal position over thousands of years. This lean makes it one of the tallest portal tombs in the entire British Isles.

GPS coordinates: 54.21311,-6.09442

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41