Stone Circle

In low flat pasture in basin of Feagle river, c 100m N of site. Circle incomplete; appears to have consisted of nine stones. Seven survive including S radially-set entrance stone and axial stone (flat topped and largest of group). Stones ar 0.7m to 1.6m L, 0.3m to 0.5m T and 0.95m to 1.5m H. Internal measurements along main axis of circle, aligned ENE-WSW is c. 8.5m. Possible boulder-burial (CO135-005002-) and standing stone (CO135-129---) c. 50m to N. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). 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 Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, the stone circle at Ballyvackey may have been used for ceremonial or ritual purposes, common to such sites in prehistoric Ireland. The axial stone and entrance alignment suggest a possible astronomical or symbolic orientation.