Stone Circle

In pasture, at E foot of Carrigfadda hill. Circle incomplete; fence on W perimeter may conceal some orthostats. Appears to have consisted of nineteen stones. Thirteen stones survive, one prostrate. Entrance stones radially set; in line with these externally, are two additional stones which form an entrance passage. Orthostats are 0.5m to 1.4m L, 0.1m to 0.7m T and 0.4m to 1.1m H. Internal measurement along main axis, aligned NE-SW, is c. 8.5m. Documentary sources indicate that standing stone stood at, or near, centre of circle. Five-stone circle (CO121-054---) c. 700m to NE. (O Nualláin 1984, 22, no. 33; Roberts 1988, Ch. 6, no. 12) 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 Carrigagrenane may have been used for ceremonial or ritual purposes, common to such monuments in prehistoric Ireland. The radial entrance stones suggest alignment with astronomical events, though local folklore or specific traditions associated with the site are not recorded.