Pentre Ifan is probably the most well known and most easily recognisable prehistoric monument in Wales. It is situated near the top of a gently sloping hill above the river of Afon Nyfer and to the north of the famous Preseli Mountains in the quiet corner of a field with views north towards Cardigan Bay and west towards the sacred hill of Carn Ingli.
The most obvious feature of the site is the large capstone measuring 5 metres in length and estimated to weigh around 17 tons that is delicately balanced 2.5 metres above the ground by three tapering uprights. The site did not however start its life in the form which we see it today. It began as a oval cairn surrounded by an outer drystone wall before being remodeled several times during which time the mound was extended to form a long barrow or long cairn about 40 metres in length. This mound ran down the slope of the hill and contained side chambers while at the higher end the famous portal dolmen arrangement with its blocking stone was flanked by a crescent forecourt of uprights of which two remain on the eastern side. Several other stones of various sizes are still scattered around but the covering of earth or stone has all but disappeared.
Various legends are attached to the site including those that say it was a Druidic college or the temple of Keridwen. There are even tales of fairies with red caps who are said to resemble small children in soldiers clothes.
Glossary Item: Neolithic