Grange Lios Stone Circle
Location: Grange, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick
Classification: Embanked Stone Circle
SMR Code: LI032-004001-
Rating:
The Grange Lios Stone Circle is one of the largest and finest in Ireland. It is over 45m in diameter and enclosed by 113 standing stones. The stones are contiguous rather than free-standing, and the surrounding bank makes it look more like a form of henge monument than a conventional stone circle. The entrance on the eastern side is paved and flanked by large uprights. The largest stone is known as the 'Rannach Chruim Duibh' (Crom Dubh's Division) which is over 13 ft high and weighs 40 tons. The stone circle is aligned with the rising sun at the Lughnasa (August 1st) on the morning of which the sun shines down directly through the entrance stones onto a pair of equally impressive slabs on the opposite side.
Its near-perfect shape and the discovery of a posthole in the very centre of the circle indicates that it was measured out from a central stake with a rope. During excavations, no structures were found but two hearths, a few unburnt human bones, some animal bones (mainly cattle) and numerous Neolithic pottery pieces were discovered along with some bronze materials.
Crom Dubh is a mythological and folkloric figure of Ireland, based on the god Crom Cruach, or "King Idol of Ireland", mentioned in the 12th Century Dinnseanchas (poems) of Magh Slécht. Some earlier myths tell of a struggle for the harvest between The Crom Dubh, who generated the growth of the crops and guards this as his 'treasure' and the god Lugh, who must seize it for mankind. Evidence shows that the religious rites at Lughnasa festivals included an offering of the 'first fruits', a feast of the new food, the sacrifice of a bull and a ritual dance-play in which Lugh seizes the harvest for mankind and defeats the powers of blight (The Crom Dubh). Another more recent legend has it that St. Patrick confronted the Crom Dubh and took possession of his soul while putting to flight his demons and making him his servant.
Description
The Grange Lios Stone Circle is one of the largest and finest in Ireland. It is over 45m in diameter and enclosed by 113 standing stones. The stones are contiguous rather than free-standing, and the surrounding bank makes it look more like a form of henge monument than a conventional stone circle. The entrance on the eastern side is paved and flanked by large uprights. The largest stone is known as the 'Rannach Chruim Duibh' (Crom Dubh's Division) which is over 13 ft high and weighs 40 tons. The stone circle is aligned with the rising sun at the Lughnasa (August 1st) on the morning of which the sun shines down directly through the entrance stones onto a pair of equally impressive slabs on the opposite side.
History
Its near-perfect shape and the discovery of a posthole in the very centre of the circle indicates that it was measured out from a central stake with a rope. During excavations, no structures were found but two hearths, a few unburnt human bones, some animal bones (mainly cattle) and numerous Neolithic pottery pieces were discovered along with some bronze materials.
Folklore
Crom Dubh is a mythological and folkloric figure of Ireland, based on the god Crom Cruach, or "King Idol of Ireland", mentioned in the 12th Century Dinnseanchas (poems) of Magh Slécht. Some earlier myths tell of a struggle for the harvest between The Crom Dubh, who generated the growth of the crops and guards this as his 'treasure' and the god Lugh, who must seize it for mankind. Evidence shows that the religious rites at Lughnasa festivals included an offering of the 'first fruits', a feast of the new food, the sacrifice of a bull and a ritual dance-play in which Lugh seizes the harvest for mankind and defeats the powers of blight (The Crom Dubh). Another more recent legend has it that St. Patrick confronted the Crom Dubh and took possession of his soul while putting to flight his demons and making him his servant.
This monument is part of a Complex
This monument is part of a Complex
Accessibility Rating: Easy
There are no facilities at this monument
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:33
Sunset: 21:29
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:33
Sunset: 21:29
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