Stone circle in Highpark

Situated on elevated grassland known locally as 'Knockfleming', with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from W-N-E. Hilltop ringfort (LI014-069--) visible 440m to SSE. Standing stones (LI014-140---/041/042-) in fields 290m to E. High Park House located 1.3km to NNE. In 1826 it was recorded that there was a 'stone circle near High Park, the residence of Joseph Gabbett, Esq. where a number of stones are to be seen, some lying in confusion, others in circles or direct lines. It is remarkable that they are all round, and one large stone [LI014-024----], detached from the rest, stands erect, which measures nine feet [3m] in height, nearly the same in breadth, and is four feet [1.2m] thick on one side' (Fitzgerald 1826, 288). Lynch suggested that this standing stone (LI014-024----) was the 'large central stone of the stone circle' and that 'the other stones were removed many years ago' (Lynch 1896, 467). A low scarp visible in places suggests the existence of an embanked stone circle or hilltop enclosure encircling this impressive standing stone. Lynch (1911-13, 26) suggested that these stones were removed from Knockfleming 'over sixty years ago [c. 1850]'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 January 2019

Probably dating to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, the stone circle may have had ceremonial or astronomical significance, possibly linked to the nearby hilltop ringfort. Local folklore sometimes associates such sites with ancient gatherings or supernatural activity.