Ballykeel Dolmen

Ballykeel Dolmen is a neolithic tripod portal tomb and a State Care Historic Monument at the foot of the western flank of Slieve Gullion, above a tributary of the Forkhill river, in the Newry and Mourne District Council area, at grid ref: H9950 2132.[1]

The dolmen sits at the southern end of a large cairn, of approximately 30x10 metres, the north end of which also contains a cist. Its three metre long capstone, with a notable notch similar to that of Legananny Dolmen, had previously fallen, but was re-set during excavations in 1963.[2]

Excavations of the chamber revealed different types of pottery, including three highly decorated "Ballyalton" bowls, and the cist contained several hundred sherds of Neolithic pottery, a javelin head, and three flint flakes.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Ballykeel Dolmen". Environment and Heritage Service NI - State Care Historic Monuments. http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/hm_scheduled_monuments_part_1_mar08.pdf. Retrieved 2011-11-07. 
  2. ^ "Ballykeel Dolmen". Megalithic Ireland. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Ballykeel.htm. Retrieved 2011-11-07. 
  3. ^ "Ballykeel Dolmen". NISMR. http://apps.ehsni.gov.uk/ambit/Details.aspx?MonID=6033. Retrieved 2011-11-07.