Stone Circle

On level patch of ground on S-facing slope 1.5km N of Rosscarbery bay. Group of monuments, excavated in 1959 (Fahy 1961, 93-104) also comprises boulder-burial (CO143-032003-) and hut site (CO143-032004-). Excavation revealed that circle consisted of thirteen stones, nine of which survive. Stones are 0.65m to 1.8m L, 0.35m to 0.9m T and 1.35m to 2.85m H. Internal measurement along main axis, aligned E-W is c. 8.5m. Entrance stones are set with long axes end-on to circumference. Shallow pit containing soil, pebbles and small fragments of cremated bone found beneath low mound of soil at centre of circle. Three pieces of flint found on old ground level at circle's entrance. Slab (CO143-032002-) with seven cup-marks on upper surface found beneath low mound, c. 10m to SE. (O Nualláin 1984a, 24, no.36; Roberts 1988, ch. 1, no. 33) 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

Dated to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, the Bohonagh Stone Circle is thought to have had ceremonial or ritual significance, possibly linked to astronomical observations or seasonal festivals. Local folklore sometimes associates such circles with ancient gatherings or supernatural beings.