Sir, – The barony of Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown is most fortunate to contain many fine examples of our rich heritage stretching far back to the days of pre-Christian Ireland.
Specifically, a number of perfectly preserved portal tombs or dolmens are located in this area. However, the main issue in the case of what are two of the finest examples – at Brennanstown near Cabinteely and Kilternan – is the matter of actually finding them!
The Brennanstown dolmen is romantically sited by a stream in a wooded glen between the Brennanstown Road and Lehaunstown while its cousin in Kilternan sits on an elevation facing west in a field accessed through a private track/byroad but with a high, locked gate. Needless to say, in each instance no sign alerting the visitor to their presence exists.
The result of this is that, although both are registered national monuments, only the most intrepid and determined cultural adventurer is likely to have seen either of them due to their inaccessible locations, both involving at least some level of trespass upon private land. Hardly ideal.
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Criticism for this situation shouldn’t be levelled at the landowners on whose land these fine monuments lie, rather Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council in whose bailiwick they are located and who could use public funds to provide public access to these superb monuments. – Yours, etc,
JD MANGAN,
Stillorgan,
Co Dublin.