What is recorded here

Bert Standing Stones are two large stones on the NE shoulder of Bert Hill in County Cork, Ireland. They stood until a treasure seeker knocked them over about fifty years before Bowman visited in 1934. One stone measured nine and a half feet high and the other eight and a half feet high in 1842. Greed broke what patience had built, leaving only a gap where markers once stood.

On NE shoulder of Bert Hill, stones are situated in fire-break in forest; possible stone row (9843) c. 950m to NNE. Described in 1842 as 'Two large standing stones', SW stone was '91/2 feet high, 5 feet broad and 11/4 foot thick'; NE stone was '81/2 feet high, five feet broad and 1¯ feet thick'. Both stones prostrate at time of Bowman's visit (1934, 551), who records that they were knocked by treasure seeker c. 50 years earlier. Bowman noted three prostrate slabs; only two stones now visible, 1.7m apart. (Ó Nualláin 1988, 241, no. 78) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Likely dating to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, the Bert Standing Stones may have functioned as markers in a ritual landscape or as part of a stone row alignment. Their original meaning or use is unclear, though they may have had ceremonial, astronomical, or territorial significance.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.