Cork-Kerry Stone Circles
Location: Kerry, Co. Cork
Classification: Ancient Complex
Rating:
The Cork-Kerry Stone Circles are a distinctive type of stone circle found only in this southwestern corner of Ireland. There are over 100 Stone Circles within the complex, known as axial-stone circles. The axial stone is usually the lowest, widest stone, sometimes flat rather than standing, which is set consistently in the south-western part of the circle. The remaining stones in the circle tend to increase in height around to the opposite side, where we find the portal or entrance stones. This distinctive symmetry means that there is always an odd number of stones in these circles (from five to nineteen). Although known primarily for its stone circles, the complex also consists of several other monument types, such as Standing Stones, Stone Rows and Pairs, Radial Cairns and Boulder Burials, which are often found in close proximity to the Stone Circles. Spread across the two named counties, many of these stone circles are situated in some of the most beautiful locations in Ireland.
The Stone Circles were created in the Mid-to-Late Bronze Age, with their most recent postulated date range being c.1650 - c.800 BC. The sites display no evidence of human dwelling, and rarely encompass graves. It is generally felt that the circles functioned as observatories for marking major solar events, such as solstices and equinoxes. However, the Cork-Kerry Stone Circles show no consistent pattern in relation to any astronomical body and are found in a variety of topographic situations often with high ground rising close behind the axial stone, blocking the view of the setting sun. A variety of considerations may have influenced the location and orientation of these ritual monuments, such as their relationship to prominent natural features such as visible mountain peaks, rocky crags or spurs, as well as the heavenly bodies.
Description
The Cork-Kerry Stone Circles are a distinctive type of stone circle found only in this southwestern corner of Ireland. There are over 100 Stone Circles within the complex, known as axial-stone circles. The axial stone is usually the lowest, widest stone, sometimes flat rather than standing, which is set consistently in the south-western part of the circle. The remaining stones in the circle tend to increase in height around to the opposite side, where we find the portal or entrance stones. This distinctive symmetry means that there is always an odd number of stones in these circles (from five to nineteen). Although known primarily for its stone circles, the complex also consists of several other monument types, such as Standing Stones, Stone Rows and Pairs, Radial Cairns and Boulder Burials, which are often found in close proximity to the Stone Circles. Spread across the two named counties, many of these stone circles are situated in some of the most beautiful locations in Ireland.
History
The Stone Circles were created in the Mid-to-Late Bronze Age, with their most recent postulated date range being c.1650 - c.800 BC. The sites display no evidence of human dwelling, and rarely encompass graves. It is generally felt that the circles functioned as observatories for marking major solar events, such as solstices and equinoxes. However, the Cork-Kerry Stone Circles show no consistent pattern in relation to any astronomical body and are found in a variety of topographic situations often with high ground rising close behind the axial stone, blocking the view of the setting sun. A variety of considerations may have influenced the location and orientation of these ritual monuments, such as their relationship to prominent natural features such as visible mountain peaks, rocky crags or spurs, as well as the heavenly bodies.
View all Monuments within this Complex
View all Monuments within this Complex
Gallery
Accessibility Rating: Easy - Moderate
These monuments range from easy to difficult in terms of accessibility, check individual monuments for details. The location for this complex on the map is at Kenmare Stone Circle, probably the easiest to access and a central point for the complex as a whole.
There are no facilities at this monument
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy - Moderate
These monuments range from easy to difficult in terms of accessibility, check individual monuments for details. The location for this complex on the map is at Kenmare Stone Circle, probably the easiest to access and a central point for the complex as a whole.
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:40
Sunset: 21:31
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:40
Sunset: 21:31
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