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Ireland 5. Kilmogue Prehistoric Portal Tomb Dolmen (Leac/Leάc An Scail Dolmain) County Kilkenny

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[Author and photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD plus help from AI these days, page updated May 15th 2026]

Ireland 5. Kilmogue Prehistoric Portal Tomb Dolmen (Leac/Leάc An Scail Dolmain) County Kilkenny

This archaeological site at OS grid ref 503 281 is signposted about 5-6 miles north-west out of Mullinavat, don't follow the waterfall sign at the first T junction - turn right, it then seems a long way, but it is well signposted (1) after that, and well worth the trouble to find this quite exceptional 'ancient monument'. It is north-east of Carrick-on-Suir on the R698 road, I think?

Kilmogue is from Cill Mhóġ, meaning 'The Church of Móġ and I'm much obliged to the information supplied on the plaque by the stones.

(1)

Leac an Scáil, also known as the Kilmogue Portal Tomb, is Ireland’s tallest and one of its most architecturally striking megalithic dolmens, dating back to around 3000 BC.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its features, history, and significance:

Overview

• Name Variants: Leac an Scáil, Leac an Scail, Leacán Scoil, Lachan Scahl
• Meaning: “Stone of the Warrior” or “Hero’s Stone”
• Type: Portal Tomb (Dolmen)
• Location: Kilmogue, near Harristown, County Kilkenny, Ireland
• Coordinates: 52.403143°N, 7.262261°W
• Elevation: 165 m (541 ft) above sea level
• National Monument Reference: No. 324

Structure and Dimensions

• Height: Approximately 5 meters (16.4 ft) from base to top of the capstone, making it the tallest dolmen in Ireland
• Capstone: A massive, cantilevered slab resting on two large portal stones and a backstone, with a smaller “pillow stone” beneath it
• Portal Stones: Each about 3.7 meters tall
• Engineering: The dolmen’s construction demonstrates advanced Neolithic engineering, particularly in balancing the enormous capstone atop upright stones

Historical Context

• Era: Built during the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC
• Function: While traditionally considered a burial site, the exact purpose remains uncertain. Some theories suggest ritual or ceremonial use rather than funerary
• Cultural Significance: The name “Leac an Scáil” links the site to mythological or heroic figures, possibly indicating a role in ancient storytelling or ancestral veneration

Setting and Access

• Geography: Situated on the southeastern slopes of Carricktriss Gorse hill (also referred to as Brown Mountain), about 7 km northeast of Mullinavat
• Surroundings: Located in the scenic Nore Valley, the tomb is accessible via a signposted private avenue near Knocktopher
• Status: A protected National Monument under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). Visitors are advised to exercise caution, as it is an unguided site

Alternate Names and Local Lore

• Also Known As: Harristown Dolmen, Cromlech of Kilmogue
• Local Legends: The name “Leac an Scáil” may refer to a legendary warrior or chieftain, adding a layer of mythic resonance to the site

 Kilmogue Portal Tomb Dolmen: This is an exceptional example of a type of megalithic (large stone) tomb known as a Portal Tomb and is the tallest and most spectacular of all of Ireland.

(2)

Kilmogue Portal Tomb Dolmen: (2) Two pointed portal stones (12 feet high), the tallest stones in the tomb, form the entrance to a stone-lined burial chamber, which is roofed by two massive stone slabs or capstones, the larger of which lies at a steep angle. The sill (next to Molly) between these two portal stones is nearly as high and blocks the entrance. A cairn, or low mound of stones would have covered most of the tomb, but the capstone probably remained visible.

(3)

Kilmogue Portal Tomb Dolmen: (3) and (4) The top angled capstone of this dolmen is 15 feet long.

(4)

(5)

Kilmogue Portal Tomb Dolmen: (5) The angled upper capstone of the portal tomb rests on the lower horizontal capstone, which itself rests on three smaller upright stones of the burial lining.

(6)

Kilmogue Portal Tomb Dolmen: (6) Down in the field below there seems to be a standing stone in amongst the cows! but this doesn't seem to be mentioned in the literature?

This prehistoric site is known locally as Leac an Scάil (means the 'stone of the shadow or ghost'), and is situated on slightly sloping pasture land above the head-waters of a tributary of the River Suir. This was the type of landscape preferred by the builders of these tombs in south-east Ireland. The tomb has never been scientifically excavated. The likelihood is that it was built by Neolithic farmers about 6000 years ago (~4000 BC) for the burial of important members of the community ('high class citizens') and perhaps a focal point for a group or tribal meeting.

The Rising Sun pub in Mullinavat, County Kilkenny, Ireland, provides good food and hospitality on the Dublin-Waterford road. Find time to visit Irelands largest Dolmen, the Kilmogue Prehistoric Portal Tomb (Leac/Leάc An Scail Dolmain), signposted west out of the village.

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