Proleek Dolmen

Proleek Dolmen is a dolmen (portal tomb) and National Monument located in County Louth, Ireland.[1]

Proleek Dolmen
Native name
Irish: Dolmain Phroilíg
The Giant's Load
Proleek Cromlech
Typedolmen
LocationProleek, Ravensdale,
County Louth, Ireland
Coordinates54.037200°N 6.348270°W / 54.037200; -6.348270
AreaCooley Peninsula
Elevation21 m (69 ft)
Height4 m (13 ft)
Builtc. 3000 BC
Official nameProleek
Reference no.476
Location of Proleek Dolmen in Ireland

Location

Proleek Dolmen is 4.3 km (2.7 mi) northeast of Dundalk, on the west bank of the Ballymascanlan River.[2][3]

History
Another view

The dolmen dates to the Neolithic, around 3000 BC. It was used for interments in which the cremated remains were placed in the tomb, often accompanied by grave goods, including tools, beads and pottery. The tomb may be aligned so that its portal points toward Slieve Gullion and/or the setting sun at the summer solstice.

Local legend claims that the dolmen was carried here by the Scottish giant Para Buidhe Mór Mhac Seoidin (or Parrah Boug MacShagean; "Great Yellow Para, son of Seoidín"). Para challenged Fionn mac Cumhaill to combat, but Fionn poisoned the nearby river and Para drank from it. The Scottish giant was buried at the wedge tomb nearby.

Another local tradition claims that if a visitor lands three stones atop the dolmen, they will be granted a wish, or will be married within the year.

Description
The Giant's Grave nearby

Proleek dolmen is composed of two portal stones, a lower backstone and a massive capstone, which weighs about 40 tonnes. The portal faces northwest.

90 metres (100 yd) to the SE is a Wedge-shaped gallery grave ("Giant's Grave") with a 6.7 m (22 ft) gallery.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

References
  1. O'Sullivan, Harold (1 January 1997). "Dundalk and North Louth: Paintings and Stories from Cuchulainn's Country". Dundurn – via Google Books.
  2. Ireland Through the Ages. M. Joseph. 1 January 1992 – via Internet Archive. proleek.
  3. McQuillan, Dan (1 September 2000). "Ireland Guide". Open Road Publishing – via Google Books.
  4. "Saints and Stones: Proleek Dolmen".
  5. "Proleek Dolmen. Ballymascanlon. co.Louth c.4000 > 3000 b.c".
  6. Schorr, Frank. "Proleek".
  7. Past, Ed Hannon-Visions of the (11 April 2015). "Proleek Dolmen, Louth, Ireland".
  8. "Proleek Dolmen and gallery grave, Co. Louth".
  9. "Proleek Dolmen - Attractions - Museums and Attractions - All Ireland - Republic of Ireland - Louth - Dundalk - Discover Ireland".
  10. "Proleek".
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