54°08′12″N6°28′16″W / 54.136696°N 6.471204°W /54.136696; -6.471204
Ballykeel Dolmen is aNeolithic tripodportal tomb and a State Care Historic Monument at the foot of the western flank ofSlieve Gullion inNorthern Ireland. It is located above a tributary of the Forkhill river, in theNewry, Mourne and Down District Council area, at grid ref: H9950 2132.[1]
The dolmen sits at the southern end of a large cairn, of approximately 30x10 metres, the north end of which also contains a cist. Its three metre long capstone, with a notable notch similar to that ofLegananny Dolmen, had previously fallen, but was re-set during excavations in 1963.[2] The granite capstone is balanced on the tips of the threeportal stones.[3]
Excavations of the chamber revealed different types of pottery, including three highly decorated "Ballyalton" bowls, and the cist contained several hundred sherds of Neolithic pottery, a javelin head, and three flint flakes.[4] High levels of phosphates found in the chambers floor is an indication of ancient burials.[5] Nearby isBallymacdermott Court Tomb.