Brennanstown Portal Tomb facts for kids

The Brennanstown Portal Tomb, also called the Glendruid Dolmen or Cabinteely Dolmen, is a very old stone structure. It was built in Prehistoric Ireland, long before written history began. You can find it in County Dublin, Ireland. This ancient monument is protected as a National Monument because of its historical importance.

What is a Portal Tomb?

A portal tomb is a type of megalithic tomb. This means it's a tomb made from very large stones. These tombs were built by people living in the Stone Age. They are also often called dolmens.

How were they built?

Portal tombs usually have two tall, upright stones at the front. These are like "portal" stones, forming an entrance. On top of these, there's a huge capstone. This capstone can weigh many tons! Sometimes, there are other stones supporting the capstone at the back too.

What were they used for?

Archaeologists believe these structures were used as burial places. They might have held the remains of important people. They could also have been special places for ceremonies. These tombs show how clever ancient people were at moving and lifting huge stones.

History of Brennanstown Portal Tomb

The Brennanstown Portal Tomb was built around 2500 BC. This was during the Neolithic period, or New Stone Age. People at this time were starting to farm and live in settled communities. They built many impressive stone monuments across Ireland.

Who built it?

We don't know the exact names of the people who built this tomb. They were early farmers and settlers in Ireland. They used simple tools and their own strength to create these amazing structures. It would have taken a lot of planning and teamwork.

Why is it important?

This tomb gives us clues about life in ancient Ireland. It shows us how people honored their dead. It also tells us about their beliefs and their engineering skills. It's a direct link to a time thousands of years ago.

Location and Surroundings

The Brennanstown Portal Tomb is located in a peaceful area. It sits on the north bank of a small stream. This stream flows into the Loughlinstown River. The tomb is about 1.2 kilometers (or about three-quarters of a mile) south of a place called Cabinteely.

Why this spot?

Ancient people often built their monuments near water sources. Rivers and streams were important for daily life. They also might have had special meaning in their beliefs. The location might have been chosen for its natural beauty or its spiritual significance.

Visiting the Tomb

As a National Monument, the Brennanstown Portal Tomb is protected. It's a reminder of Ireland's rich ancient past. Visiting such sites helps us understand the people who lived long before us. It's like stepping back in time!