Kealkil

Stone Circle, Co. Cork

Photo � Celia Haddon

OS Map: D85 Cork Kerry OS Map Key amazon.co.uk bookshop.co.uk (both 20% off) countrybookshop.co.uk (5% off, free UK P&P OS Map ref: W055555 Nearest town: Dunmanway Townland: Kealkil

This impressive and splendidly-situated monument (overlooking Bantry Bay and Kealkill village) comprises a fine 5-stone axial circle of large stones, with 2 outlying monoliths, the higher of which is now almost 4m high. It was originally over 6m high. This is one of the few circle sites to have been excavated, and inside the circle was found a setting of crossed timber sleepers which may perhaps have held an upright of wood or stone. Like most alignments, the 2 outliers are on a NE-SW axis, parallel with that of the circle.

Nearby also is a small cairn of stones incorporating a circle of small upright stones set radially (see also Knockraheen under Scrahanard). Just over 400m SW of The Kealkil monuments, in the third field on the opposite side of the road, in Breeny More, are the remains of a large multiple-stone circle enclosing 4 boulder-burials set in the form of a rectangle. The circle must originally have been impressive, but the only stones now standing are the entrance stones, the axial stone (overthrown) and 3 others. The boulder-burials are good examples, all with large cover-stones.

The standing stones of Kealkil can also be seen in the distance to the NE. 7.2km) (4 1/2ml) W by N are the boulder-burials, standing stones, and stone circle at Mill Little. A "Beware of the Bull" sign makes it prudent to get the farmer's permission.

Access: (1/2 in. sheet 24). 800m (Viml) SE of Kealkill village and about 180m NE of a sharp steep hyroad. The tops of the standing stones are just visible from the road. From the Catholic Church in the village you may be able to see it on the skyline. See above for map links

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