Site Type: Stone Circle
Irish Grid Ref: V9067670720
Location: Link to Bing Maps
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| Kenmare stone circle with the surrounding coniferous trees |
This stone circle is described on Archaeology.ie as follows;
"In level pasture, on the SW outskirts of Kenmare town. A subcircular area (17m E-W; 15m N-S) is enclosed by fifteen stones (L 0.8-1.6m; T 0.2-0.7m; H 0.3-1.2m), two of which are prostrate. The axial stone is the lowest and is a regular flat-topped slab contrasting with most of the other stones, which with one or two exceptions, are of boulder type. A boulder-burial (KE093-032002-) occupies the centre of the stone circle. (Ó Nualláin 1984a, 26, no. 41)."
This must be one of the most accessible stone circles in Ireland and probably Irelands only urban stone circle. It is located within the lovely tourist town of Kenmare down some back-streets. Unfortunately someone has decided to plant evergreen trees around its perimeter, blocking the views. Also there is a charge to visit the circle which is also a pity. Jack Roberts, who has been studying the stone circles of Cork & Kerry for over 30 years, suspects that this stone circle is aligned to the sun-set on the Equinox days.
Links to photographs;
Pic of circle prior to the trees growing up around it on www.megalithia.com
More pics of the circle prior to the trees growing on irishantiquities
Links for further information;
Further information on the circle at www.stonepages.com
