DART trip to Killiney St Alphonsus Columba Church, Killiney Bay, Ballybrack Portal tombe, Martello Tower, Dún Laoghaire Harbour, Martello Tower, 6th century monastic site

Scenes from DUBLIN CITY and surrounding area

14a. Killiney Trip - Part 1 - Coastal DART train ride and St Alphonsus Columba Church, Ballybrack Portal Tomb

Catching the DART train at Sutton Station to head south along the coast to Killiney, en route a series of views from the train. Its a super train ride along the Dublin Bay coast and tickets are relatively cheap.

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The cranes of the many building and development sites in Dublin (train photo).

Passing over the streets of Dublin (train photo).

Looking back north to the power station at Dublin Port (train photo).

The yachts in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Dun Laoghaire is the 2nd main ferry port for Dublin City (train photo).

Looking south down the coast to Bray Head (train photo).

The north end of Killiney Bay (train photo), you can just make out a Martello tower near the sea.

Looking south across the lovely beach and Bay of Killiney (train photo).

Off the DART train for a view of Killiney Bay and the lovely beach from the station footbridge.

A climb up to the splendid church of St Alphonsus Columba built of local granite. At this point I met 'Maureen', a wonderful local lady, full of knowledge and enthusiasm, who gave me a quick run down on the history of Killiney. The church is built of local granite and shows no signs of weathering!

The handsome interior of St Alphonsus Columba Church.

The magnificent stained glass window of St Alphonsus and Columba Church.

The illuminated carvings above the alter of St Alphonsus Columba church, Killiney.

The Igo Inn, Ballybrack, Killiney, County Wicklow, Ireland, is a 10 minute walk up from the beach or station. The attractive setting of the beach and bay at Killiney, conveniently reached by the DART train from Dublin. There are some inland attractions including the Ballybrack dolmen.

14a. Killiney Trip - Part 2 - A Martello Tower, a dolmen and an early Christian monastic site

On the hill above the old village of Killiney you can see the spire of the monument commemorating Queen Victoria's visit to Killiney. There are lovely walks on the hills giving magnificent views of the coast around Killiney Bay.

The restored Martello Tower on the old coach road that passed up through old Killiney Village.

The Martello Towers were built in the 1790's by the British to help thwart a Napoleonic invasion from France. This Martello Tower was the site of the main battery of cannons that could fire across the bay.

Around Killiney there are many fine houses set in equally fine gardens, and through the trees you occasionally glimpse the sea (above) or surrounding hills (Sugar Loaf Mountain below).

The prehistoric megalithic portal tomb of Ballybrack Dolmen. It is the 'genuine article', based on archaeological evidence, despite being located on the edge of a housing estate with ensuing graffiti. Built of very hard wearing local granite, it shows little sign of weathering, even after thousands of years!

Ballybrack Dolmen is a small but significant prehistoric portal tomb located in south County Dublin, Ireland, dating to the Neolithic period (c. 4000–3000 BCE). It exemplifies Ireland’s megalithic tradition and offers insights into early burial practices and monument construction.

Location and Setting

Site name: Ballybrack Dolmen (also called Ballybrack Portal Tomb or Cromlech)
Coordinates: Near Cromlech Fields, Ballybrack, Dublin
Setting: Uniquely situated in a modern suburban green space, surrounded by housing estates—an unusual juxtaposition of ancient monument and urban development

Architectural Features

Type: Portal tomb (a subtype of megalithic tombs)
Structure:
- Portal stones: Two upright stones, each about 1.5 meters high, flanking the entrance
- Capstone: A large flat stone, over 2 meters long and wide, resting atop the portal stones
- Missing elements: Some side stones and the backstone are no longer present, suggesting partial collapse or removal
Stone characteristics: The underside of the capstone is notably flat and contains visible quartz veins, possibly chosen for symbolic or aesthetic reasons

Chronology and Cultural Context

Date: Estimated to be over 4,500 years old, placing it in the Neolithic period
Function: Likely served as a burial chamber for elite individuals or small kin groups; portal tombs typically housed cremated or inhumed remains
Symbolism: The monument’s form—two upright stones and a capstone—may have represented a symbolic gateway to the afterlife

Archaeological Significance

Burial evidence: While no formal excavation has been published for Ballybrack Dolmen, portal tombs in Ireland often contain:
- Cremated bone fragments
- Pottery sherds
- Flint tools or personal items
Comparative finds: Studies of other Irish portal dolmens suggest ritual deposition and selective burial practices

Preservation and Challenges

Condition: The dolmen remains upright and visually striking, but:
- The capstone has been vandalized with graffiti
- Urban encroachment affects its ambience and conservation
Access: Easily accessible due to its suburban location, but lacks formal signage or protective fencing

Interpretive Themes

Continuity and visibility: Its survival in a modern setting highlights the endurance of prehistoric monuments and their integration into contemporary landscapes
Public engagement: The dolmen is a local curiosity and a reminder of Dublin’s deep prehistoric past, though underappreciated compared to more famous sites like Newgrange

Research Gaps and Potential

Excavation status: No known systematic excavation; future archaeological work could clarify burial contents, construction methods, and dating
Landscape archaeology: A broader survey of the Ballybrack area could reveal other prehistoric features or settlement traces
Conservation needs: Protective measures and interpretive signage would enhance public understanding and safeguard the monument

Cill Inìon Léinin 6th century monastic site. The name Killiney is derived from this early Christian community.

The ruins of the 6th century Cill Inion Leinin early Christian community above Killiney Bay.

Back to Killiney Station to get the train back to Sutton.

The very striking outline of the Spire of Dublin, viewed at dusk from the DART train.

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