Kenmare Stone circle, Bronze Age stone circle in Kenmare, Ireland.
The stone circle measures 17.4 by 15.8 meters and contains 15 large boulders arranged in an egg-shaped formation with a central dolmen.
Built between 2200 and 500 BC, the Kenmare Stone Circle features a boulder-dolmen with a capstone of 2 by 1.8 meters at its center.
The stones of the circle align with solar and lunar events, indicating the ancient builders' knowledge of celestial movements and astronomical observations.
Located within walking distance from Kenmare town center, this archaeological site remains open throughout the year for visitors to explore the grounds.
This stone circle contains the only boulder-dolmen combination in South West Ireland, making it different from other stone formations in the region.
GPS coordinates: 51.87828,-9.58855
Latest update: March 3, 2025 23:08
Stone circles stand among humanity's earliest architectural accomplishments, constructed by prehistoric communities across Europe and beyond over thousands of years. These circular arrangements of standing stones served multiple purposes, functioning as astronomical observatories where ancient peoples tracked celestial movements, seasonal changes, and solar events. The monuments also acted as communal gathering spaces for ceremonies, trade, and social activities. The engineering skills required to transport, raise, and position these massive stones—some weighing several tons—reveal the sophisticated organizational capabilities and technical knowledge of Neolithic and Bronze Age societies. This collection spans numerous locations throughout Europe. In England, Stonehenge features precisely arranged upright stones forming a 98-foot (30-meter) circle built between 3000 and 2000 BC, while the Avebury complex measures 1,086 feet (331 meters) across and dates to 2850 BC. Scotland hosts several significant sites, including the Callanish Stones with a central monolith standing 16 feet (4.8 meters) tall, and the Ring of Brodgar, which originally contained 60 stones encircled by a 30-foot (9-meter) wide ditch. The Castlerigg Stone Circle sits surrounded by Lake District peaks, constructed around 3000 BC. Beyond the British Isles, Germany's Goseck Circle demonstrates astronomical alignment dating to 4900 BC, making it one of the oldest known structures of its kind. Ireland's Drombeg Stone Circle uses 17 stones to mark solstice positions. Each site provides insight into how prehistoric communities observed the heavens, marked time, and organized their societies around these enduring monuments.
Gap of Dunloe
15.7 km
Torc Waterfall
15 km
Moll's Gap
8.2 km
Uragh Stone Circle
10.3 km
Mangerton Mountain
12.5 km
Ladies View
9.8 km
Purple Mountain
15.2 km
Dromore Castle
9.1 km
Priest's Leap
12.4 km
Knockboy
13.1 km
The Big Gun
15.3 km
Dunkerron Castle
2.7 km
Derrycunnihy Wood
10.4 km
Glengarriff Forest
13.6 km
Old Weir Bridge
14.6 km
Uragh Wood
10.7 km
Brassel Mountain
13.8 km
Cloonee and Inchiquin Loughs, Uragh Wood
10.7 km
Bonane Heritage Park
7.2 km
Cromwell's Bridge, Glengarriff
14.6 km
Eirk Bog
9.2 km
Sacred Heart Church, Glengarriff
14.3 km
Kilgarvan Church
10.7 km
Derrycunihy Church
9.6 km
Holy Cross Church, Kenmare
528 m
Brickeen Bridge
15.5 km
Kenmare Bridge
927 m
Glengarriff Harbour and Woodland
14.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes