Carrigagulla, Stone circle and national monument in County Cork, Ireland.
Carrigagulla is a stone circle of 16 standing stones surrounding a central slab, with individual stones ranging from 30 to 90 centimeters in height. The monument also includes two stone rows and an ogham stone, which represents an ancient Irish writing system.
This megalithic complex dates to prehistoric times and has been recognized as a significant national monument in Ireland. An ogham stone from the site was discovered during peat cutting in 1940 and moved to Cork Public Museum.
The stone circle is oriented at 245 degrees, matching the cross-quarter days between seasons, which shows this place was used for tracking sky movements in ancient Ireland. People likely gathered here for ceremonies throughout the year, observing how the sun aligned with specific stones at different times.
Reaching the site requires walking about 1.5 kilometers down a lane and through farmland, with the terrain being rolling and sometimes muddy. Sturdy footwear is a good idea since brambles and rushes cover the ground, and the weather can change quickly.
The site features a distinctive long straight-edged axial stone that sets it apart from other stone circles. Fifteen of the original stones remain in place, including two portal stones with special radial positioning.
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