Dolmen of the Four Maols, Ballina, Ireland

The Dolmen of the Four Maols is a cist and National Monument located in County Mayo. It is located on Primrose Hill overlooking the River Moy, southwest of Ballina, outside the Road Safety Authority office.

This cist was erected c. 2000 BC. The massive capstone rests on three stones forming three sides of the square chamber. A fourth stone (probably the fourth side) lies nearby.

According to Irish legend, in the early 7th century Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin was King of Connacht. The rightful king, Cellach of Killala, had become a priest and later bishop of Kilmoremoy (Ballina). Four of Guaire Aidne's brothers murdered him; they are known as the four Maols from the Irish word maol, 'bald'. The four Maols were quartered at Ardnaree and then, supposedly, buried on Primrose Hill under the Dolmen of the Four Maols.

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Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Ireland

User Reviews

Julie Martin (8 months ago)
Well kept and nice to see information, a little off the beaten track and hard to find somewhere close to park, not too well posted, went back and forth to find it, but wonderful to see

The Irish Chef Abroad (10 months ago)
While not of major excitement, this offers a simple access to our historical past without having to travel or climb. It is the burial place of four traitors known as the four maol, which in Irish means bald. They were in the service of monks at the time they murdered, and thus all had shaved heads. No cost to enter. Located almost in the town of Ballina.

JANEY LAVELLE (2 years ago)
Hold sacred these ancient magical places and heal the land to heal the people. We are so blessed to live in such a magical isle of Eiru ???

Aidan McLoughlin (3 years ago)
Nice little spot that overlooks a part of Ballina town. The ground around the dolmen is well kept, but there is a industrial estate built right beside it. There isn't any parking space as it's just off a fairly busy road, but you can park in the industrial estate beside the dolmen and it's a couple of minutes walk.

Emily R Majusiak (7 years ago)
Ancient monument in a spectacular location; the views on all sides hint at why the dolmen may have been built here- hills visible in the distance on all sides, and a peaceful distance from town today. There are several explanatory signs that offer further information as well.

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