Dolmens

The word dolmen comes from Breton and means "Stone table". Dolmens are types of megalithic tomb consisting of three or more standing stones supporting one large "capstone".

The Ballina portal dolmen, situated on a low hill overlooking the River Moy, is known locally as the 'Four Maols'. Four former clerics, known as the 'four Maols', were buried here in the middle of the 6th century. They were said to have murdered the popular Bishop of Killala and were, in turn, murdered by the bishop's brother because of an intrigue over the succession to the kingship of Connaught.

Today, the dolmen consists of three large upright stones, supporting a massive capstone. Another large stone lying nearby may have been the original fourth support.