Annadorn Dolmen, Downpatrick, United Kingdom

Annadorn dolmen has a large, low, slightly displaced capstone about 65 cm thick covering a rectangular chamber and supported by three stones about 60 cm high. An account of 1802 suggests that it was formerly set beneath a large rectangular cairn 60 ft in diameter and approached by a lintelled passage, so it could be the remains of a passage grave.

Another possible explanation could be that the supporting stones were originally upright supporting the capstone, representing a more typical tripod dolmen. The monument has not been excavated and closer examination would be required to correctly interpret the site. The capstone has many small solution pits on the upper surface, two of which appear to have been enlarged. The 1802 account also says the chamber under the capstone contained ashes and a number of bones.

References:

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Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Patricia O'Neill (7 months ago)
Easy to access though not wheelchair friendly.

Paul Smyth (11 months ago)
It is good to go sit by your self someone's nice to do it

Michael McKelvey (12 months ago)
Beautiful out of the way lovely place

Jason Crozier (16 months ago)
Great spot and right off of the road too. Portal tomb that has collapsed a few hundred years ago, but does not take away from its significance. Very informative plaque detailing its use by the United Irishmen in the late 18th Century. Must be accessed via steps up the embankment. The site is contained within a small compound of its own, with a fence and gate. The grass had bern freshly cut on our visit, indicated that it is well maintained. Good views of nearby lake. There is no designated parking, so visitors will most likely have to park on a small grassy area just across the other side of the T junction that the dolmen is on.

Image 31 Photography (2 years ago)
Small, quiet, and nice little area for a quick walk around. Beautiful setting.

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