I feel like I write about dolmens all of the time. (Bet you can’t say the same thing, right?) Anyway, I came across an interesting item in the Irish Times that I wanted to share with you all today. Apparently, mini-dolmens built by tourists are damaging the Burren, Co. Clare’s unique, rocky habitat.

There are some 80 dolmens located throughout the Burren, most notably the Poulnabrone dolmen, a Neolithic portal tomb that dates from around 4200 BC to 2900 BC. It appears that seeing these amazing structures is inspiring visitors to build their own mini versions in homage to the much larger, ancient dolmens.

When I first saw an image of a mini-dolmen, I actually just thought it was cute (come on, mini versions of things can be sweet) and I didn’t think much more than that. What escaped my mind is the fact that the Burren is a rare and vulnerable area that needs to be preserved. The area is actually legally protected by EU legislation because of its environmental importance. What’s happening is that the limestone, which is synonymous with the Burren, is being destroyed when visitors scavenge for pieces to build their own dolmens. This seemingly harmless act yet destructive act is negatively changing the habitat as a whole.

Moral of the story: No mini-Poulnabrone for you. Too much of Ireland’s natural beauty has already been destroyed, so let’s not change the Burren anymore with mini-dolmens even if they are pretty cute.

Source; Image Source

Related posts:

1. Bovines, The Burren, And A Dolmen
2. The Not So Barren Burren
3. The Burren Perfumery
4. Giant’s Ring Rivals Stonehenge