Browneshill Dolmen – the largest in EuropeLocated on the outskirts of Carlow Town is the giant Megalithic tomb of Browneshill. Officially know as the Kernanstown Cromlech it is located on a hill to the east of the town on which sits the former estate house of the Browne family and to which the hill takes its name.
Browneshill is a granite portal tomb dating to circa 3,000BC and consists of the largest capstone in Europe, reputed to weight up to 150 tonnes. Originally the tomb would have been set in a mound with the burial located under the capstone. Over time the evidence of the mound has disappeared leaving an imposing monument.
This dolmen is said to be one of three located in the area, only circumstantial evidence of the other two remain. The dolmen can be visited by following the Hacketstown Road, R726, from Carlow Town. There is a carpark and fenced walk way provided and access is free. Photos Carlow County Museum.
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