Name of monument
Pentre Ifan
Also known as
Type of site
Dimensions (approx)
H:
W:
D:
LR Grid Reference
OS Map Number
LR 145
Nearest Village
Nearest Town
Property Type
Access
MRW Access rating
MRW Site Rating
Other information
Legends / stories attached to this monument. Inscriptions. See who has provided other information.
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Undoubtedly the most famous of all such monuments in Wales the majestic Pentre Ifan is an absolute must for any visitor, its sheer size coupled with its idyllic setting is simply mesmerising.
We have visited this site on a number of occasions and it never fails to impress. Finding the site is easy, as it is well signposted from the A487. However approaching from the other direction is just as easy. From the Meibion Owen stones follow the road until you come to a junction, turn left and follow the road until you come to the lay-by at the entrance to Pentre Ifan. Park, go through the gate and it’s a couple of hundred yards to the monument.
The monument itself consists of an enormous sloping capstone precariously perched upon three uprights. The outline of the original mound can still be seen and it is said the dimensions of this impressive long cairn were in the region of 40 metres long by 17 metres wide. If you can use your imagination and try to visualise the original construction, the sight must have been amazing. It is also worth noting that the slope of the capstone at Pentre Ifan is similar to that of nearby Carreg Coetan, both of which are said too follow the slope of nearby Carningli and all point northwards down to the sea.
The significance of Carningli to such sites may be connected to the fact that there are the remains of a large Bronze Age hillfort, which was once sited on the mountain, along with the remains of various huts and excavated human remains etc, suggesting a substantial community in the area. Whatever the reason for building such an impressive monument, Pentre Ifan has undoubtedly captured the imagination of people for thousands of years and will continue to do so for many years too come.
