Drombeg stone circle, Bronze Age stone circle in Glandore, Ireland.
The stone circle consists of seventeen stones forming a 9.3-meter diameter ring, with two taller entrance stones facing a horizontal altar stone.
Archaeological excavations in 1957 revealed cremated human remains within a broken pot, along with 80 pottery fragments dating from 1100-800 BC.
The winter solstice sunset aligns through the entrance stones to the recumbent altar stone, indicating ancient astronomical knowledge and ritual significance.
Visitors can access the site year-round and observe both the stone circle and the adjacent prehistoric cooking site with its water-boiling trough.
The cooking area includes a stone-lined trough where water could be heated for three hours by adding hot stones, capable of boiling 70 gallons.
Location: County Cork
GPS coordinates: 51.56455,-9.08702
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:44
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.
Michael Collins Birthplace
9.4 km
Coppinger's Court
1.6 km
Galley Head Lighthouse
10.1 km
Castle Salem
4.1 km
Tragumna
14.3 km
Cathedral Church of St. Fachtna
4.3 km
Knockdrum Stone Fort
8.5 km
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Skibbereen
12.3 km
Owenahincha
6.1 km
Coppingers Court
1.6 km
Gurranes Stone Row
8.1 km
Knockdrum
8.5 km
Michael Collins House Museum
14.9 km
Reanascreena
6.2 km
Lettergorman SW
10.6 km
Abbeystrewry Monastery
14 km
Castle Downeen
4.4 km
Castle Townsend
7.1 km
Church of the Immaculate Conception
15 km
New Bridge
13.8 km
Long Strand Bridge
9.2 km
St Barrahane's Church
7.1 km
Clonakilty Methodist Church
15 km
Sacred Heart Church
10.5 km
Christ Church
2.5 km
Raheen Castle
6.2 km
St Faughnan's Church
4 km
Drishane House
7.8 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