What is recorded here

Thirteen stones stand complete on a low Cork hill, enclosing a space where cremated bone once lay in a pit. The circle measures ninety-two centimetres across its main axis and sits inside a wider ditch and bank, suggesting a place set apart for ritual rather than ordinary life. People may have gathered there to honour the dead under open sky, marking the boundary between the living and those who departed.

On level patch of ground near top of low rounded hill. Excavated in 1961 (Fahy 1962, 59-69). Circle complete comprising thirteen stones. They are 0.65m to 1.1m L, 0.35m to 0.7m T and 0.85m to 1.5m H. Internal measurement along main axis, aligned ENE-WSW, is 9.25m. External fosse (D 0.4m; Wth c. 3.75,) surrounds circle; bank to outside (H 0.2m; Wth c. 3.5m); overall diameter c. 24m. Two pits found within circle, one of which contained fragments of cremated bone. Series of conjoined pits containing soil and broken stone found beneath bank to E, considered contemporary with it. (O Nualláin 1984, 23, no. 34; Roberts 1988, Ch. 6, no. 13) 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 Reanascreena South may have functioned as a ceremonial or ritual site, possibly aligned with astronomical events. No specific folklore or detailed use has been recorded for this site.

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