Stone circle in Eskine

Situated in boggy pasture, in a clearing partially enclosed by trees.. A stone circle (diam. 8.5–9m) composed of 8 stones (H: c.0.4–1.2m), the highest of which is located at N. Each of the stones is lichen encrusted on all sides which suggests the stones have been in their current positions for a long period of time. Packing stones are not visible. This stone circle is not characteristic of the multiple stone circles of Cork and Kerry in that it is composed of an even rather than an uneven number of stones and does not have a recumbent stone at SW. A fire setting in the centre of the stone circle appears modern. Immediately S of the circle is a low heap of modern field clearance material consisting of loose boulders and vegetation. A table-top boulder directly S of this heap has possibly been recently placed in this position as it is largely devoid of lichen encrustation and bears marks which appear to be machine lacerations. A semi-derelict house which is unoccupied is within sight of the stone circle 55m to SSE. Expansive views are afforded from the stone circle towards Mullaghanattin at N and NE. Due to modern dykes and ditches around the the circle as well as forestry and other vegetation, the circle itself is largely obscured from view other than from within close range. A kerb circle in Gortacloghane (KE091- 015001) is located 2.1km to ENE. Compiled by: Aoibheann Lambe Date of upload/revision: 10 November 2021

Likely dating to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, the stone circle in Eskine may have functioned as a ceremonial or ritual site, possibly aligned with seasonal or astronomical events. Such circles were often associated with communal gatherings, burial practices, or spiritual beliefs in prehistoric Britain.