Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb

Top choice in The Burren


One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000 years ago. A magnificent gold gorget (a crescent of beaten gold that hung round the neck) found here and dating from the late Bronze Age is now on display at the National Museum in Dublin.

Note: the access gate to the tomb is sometimes locked, and signage is poor.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Burren attractions

1. Poulnabrone Dolmen

1.2 MILES

Also known as the Portal Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland's most photographed ancient monuments. Built more than 5000 years ago, the other…

2. Caherconnell Fort

1.67 MILES

For a close-up look at a well-preserved, drystone caher (walled fort) of the late Iron Age–early Christian period, stop at this privately run heritage…

3. Aillwee Cave

1.76 MILES

Aillwee's extraordinary caves were carved out by water some two million years ago. The main cave penetrates 600m into the mountain, widening into larger…

4. Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre

4.5 MILES

The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…

5. Cahercommaun

4.8 MILES

Perched on the edge of an inland cliff about 3km south of Carron is the triple ring fort of Cahercommaun, built around AD 800 and inhabited by people who…

6. Leamaneh Castle

5.38 MILES

This magnificent, allegedly haunted ruin stands on a rise 6.2km east of Kilfenora. Built in 1480 as a tower house and converted to a mansion in 1650, it's…

7. Corcomroe Abbey

5.8 MILES

Moody and evocative, marvellously ruined Corcomroe Abbey sits in a quiet green hollow, 2km inland from Bellharbour, surrounded by the stark grey Burren…

8. Kilfenora Cathedral

5.88 MILES

Built in 1189, Kilfenora's cathedral was once an important place of pilgrimage. St Fachan (or Fachtna) founded the monastery here in the 6th century, and…