They say grief can move mountains. Here at Aideen’s Dolmen, it seems it moved colossal stones. This collapsed megalithic tomb stands in Howth Castle’s grounds. It whispers tales of love, loss, and ancient Ireland.
Aideen’s Dolmen dates back to around 2,500 BC. Imagine people hauling these massive stones so long ago. The tomb consists of two portal stones. There is also an entrance stone. The colossal roof stone once sat proudly on top. This capstone weighs around 75 tonnes. It is the second largest in Ireland, after Brownshill Dolmen.
The name Aideen links this tomb to Irish mythology. Aideen is said to be Étaín. Some say she was the daughter or wife of Aengus. Legend says Aideen was married to Oscar. He was the son of Oisín of the Fianna. Oscar died in battle in 284 AD. Aideen died of grief. She was buried here and this tomb was built in her honor.
Fionn MacCumhaill also appears in stories about Aideen’s Dolmen. Some say he tossed the stones from Kildare to Howth. He did this during a game of pitch and toss. This might not be historically accurate. It adds a layer of magic to this place.
Samuel Ferguson captured the spirit of Aideen’s Grave in his 1858 poem. He had strong ties to Howth. His friend Margaret Stokes, an illustrator, lived nearby. The poem immortalized the site. It linked it forever to Aideen’s tragic story.
The massive capstone is quartzite. It likely came from the nearby cliffs of Muck Rock. This stone is five meters long and four meters wide. It is two meters in depth. Over time the capstone slipped. It broke a supporting stone. It now rests on the upper edge of the portals.
In the 19th century, people debated the tomb’s construction. They wondered if it was always collapsed. Today, Aideen’s Dolmen is near the Deer Park Hotel golf course. It is also near the entrance to the Rhododendron Walk.
Oscar was known as the bravest of the Fianna. He killed three kings in his first battle. The legends say Oscar was killed in battle. The news reached Aideen at her father’s home in Howth. Grief overcame her. Oisín and Oscar’s comrades built this tomb. They honored Aideen’s memory.
Ferguson’s poem helped create the folklore around Aideen’s Dolmen. His work influenced later Irish writers. They looked to geographically based mythology for inspiration. In 2024, there were calls to make Aideen’s Grave a national monument. This would protect this important site for future generations.
Think about Aideen’s story. Consider the weight of the stones above us. Imagine the grief that led to the creation of Aideen’s Dolmen. It is a powerful reminder of love and loss. It stands here overlooking the landscape. It connects us to Ireland’s ancient past.