Goward Dolmen

About

Known locally as Pat Kearney's big stone Goward Dolmen is located in the townland of Goward west of Castlewellan off the Hilltown Road. It is the remains of a portal tomb dated to 2500- 2000 BC. The enormous granite capstone has slipped from its original position over a rectangular chamber which faces north-east. Stones beyond the entrance suggest a curving facade, allied to the court tomb tradition.

Pat Kearney who for many years acted as caretaker and guide of the monument, the cottage in the background his home.

Excavations in 1834 unearthed a cremation urn and a flint arrowhead, the capstone is 13 feet (4.0m) long it has slipped from its original position, it is estimated to weigh somewhere in the region of fifty tons. In 1834 a cremation urn and a flint arrowhead were found.