Kenmare Stone Circle
Location: Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Classification: Multiple Stone Circle
SMR Code: KE093-032001-
Rating:
The Kenmare stone circle is one of the largest stone circles in Southeast Ireland, measuring 17.4 x 15.8m and unlike any other ring in Muster, this one is egg-shaped. Known locally as The Shrubberies, this stone circle is situated within the town of Kenmare itself. The circle is composed of 15 heavy boulders with 13 standing and 2 prostrate at the north. At the centre, is an impressive boulder-burial with a giant capstone some 2m long, 1.8m wide and 0.8m thick.
The Stone Circles of Cork & Kerry were built during the bronze age (2,200 - 500 B.C.) believed to be for ritual and ceremonial purposes. They were often orientated on certain solar and lunar events, such as the position of the sun on the horizon on a solstice. The shape of the Kenmare circle is unusual and its design could be a late geometrical development.
The traditional Irish name of the bay was 'Inbhear Scéine' from the Gaelic 'Inver', which is recorded in the 11th Century narrative Lebor Gabála Érenn as the arrival point of the mythological Irish ancestors The People of Partholón and the Milesians. Another piece of folklore tells us that Irish translation of Kenmare, (An Neidín) comes from the fearsome giant Ein who fought a great battle with Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
Description
The Kenmare stone circle is one of the largest stone circles in Southeast Ireland, measuring 17.4 x 15.8m and unlike any other ring in Muster, this one is egg-shaped. Known locally as The Shrubberies, this stone circle is situated within the town of Kenmare itself. The circle is composed of 15 heavy boulders with 13 standing and 2 prostrate at the north. At the centre, is an impressive boulder-burial with a giant capstone some 2m long, 1.8m wide and 0.8m thick.
History
The Stone Circles of Cork & Kerry were built during the bronze age (2,200 - 500 B.C.) believed to be for ritual and ceremonial purposes. They were often orientated on certain solar and lunar events, such as the position of the sun on the horizon on a solstice. The shape of the Kenmare circle is unusual and its design could be a late geometrical development.
Folklore
The traditional Irish name of the bay was 'Inbhear Scéine' from the Gaelic 'Inver', which is recorded in the 11th Century narrative Lebor Gabála Érenn as the arrival point of the mythological Irish ancestors The People of Partholón and the Milesians. Another piece of folklore tells us that Irish translation of Kenmare, (An Neidín) comes from the fearsome giant Ein who fought a great battle with Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
This monument is part of a Complex
This monument is part of a Complex
Gallery
Accessibility Rating: Easy
The stone circle is situated in a park about 200m southwest of the Town Centre.
There are no facilities at this monument
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
The stone circle is situated in a park about 200m southwest of the Town Centre.
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:46
Sunset: 21:24
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:46
Sunset: 21:24
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