Dolmen of the Four Maols, Megalithic tomb in Ballina, Ireland.
The Dolmen of the Four Maols consists of three upright stones supporting a large capstone that forms a square chamber, positioned on Primrose Hill with views across the River Moy valley. The monument remains largely in its original form, allowing visitors to understand how prehistoric people built their burial structures.
The cist was erected around 2000 BC. Legend, recorded on a sign at the site, tells that in the early 7th century the four Maols, followers of King Guaire Aidne of Connacht, murdered Bishop Cellach of Kilmoremoy; they were executed at Ardnaree and said to be buried here under the dolmen that bears their name.
Local stories connect this monument to four brothers called the Maols, whose deeds became part of regional memory and shaped how people in the area understand this place. The name itself preserves this connection across centuries.
This site offers permanent free access and is situated about 400 meters southwest of Ballina railway station near Cockle Street. The location is easy to reach on foot and best visited during daylight hours when the surrounding area is most visible.
The monument's Irish name Ard na Maol means "Height of the Maols", and it is also called Cloghogle, from Cloch Tógála, "Stone of the Raising". Among Irish megalithic monuments, its siting on the highest point of the district is unusual.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,072 contributors worldwide.