Kenmare Stone Circle

The Kenmare Stone Circle is located in the town of Kenmare itself.
The circle is known locally as the Shruberries.
The site could well be the largest in the south west of Ireland and it is composed of 15  boulders, 13 of which are standing and 2 which are lying down.
At the centre is an impressive boulder-burial stone with a giant capstone some 2 metres long.
The one and only drawback for this great site is it now forms part of a garden feature for which you are expected to pay for the privilege of seeing.

Feartagar Castle

This is a well preserved  four storey tower built by the De Burgos in the 16th century. It is vaulted above the first floor. The last know occupant was a lady who was dispossessed by Cromwell. It is known locally as Jenning's Castle. The most famous of its landlords was Edward Blake.

Ballybrack Portal Tomb

This small but cute megalith has existed for over four and a half thousand years. The past few years have not been so kind to this wee fellow who now that the graffiti has been cleaned away, is now under threat from bonfire's which are being lit under the capstone. At this rate i don't think this great little tomb will last another four and  a half years. So if your in Dublin catch it while you can !.

Kildare's Standing Stones

Forenaghts Great Standing Stone

Baltracey Standing Stone

Punchestown Standing Stone

Craddockstown West  Standing Stone

                             

                                   Great Connell Standing Stone

                           

                                 Kilgowen Standing Stone

Mullamast Standing Stone

Kildare's seven standing stones (aka the magnificent seven). Are a superb group of stones each one very different, but all well worth the effort of a visit. I have left Killickaweeny off this list as i feel it does not belong with this group. Sorry about the lack of a mapping as the blog will only let me map one, anyone with an quires can pm me and i will get back to you as soon as possible.

Rattoo Round Tower

Located near Ballyduff is Rattoo round tower.The tower reaches a height of 28mts, with a base circumference of 15mts. It is claimed to have been founded by the Bishop Lughach, one of the first Christian Evangelists in Kerry.  Built around 1100, it is exceptionally well-preserved, although the roof has been restored. Its doorway has a round arch, and is surrounded by a plain, flat carved moulding capped with an unusual curvilinear design. A sheela-na-gig is carved on the north window, facing into the inside of the tower.

Cuchulains Stone

This really impressive stone stands alone on a slight rise in a large field. Standing at over three metres high and close to one and a half metres wide, this up close has a big wow factor. Some idiot has carved his name into the bottom of the stone  but it takes nothing away from this great site.
When i arrived at this site and started to make my way across the field i could not help but notice a lone raven atop of the stone (with about twenty flying around) very spooky.
Which probably had somthing to do with the below being fresh in my mind,
The History
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/cuch/lgc23.htm

Lissivigeen Stone Circle

This small but superb stone circle can be found in Lissivigeen (a short drive from) Killarney town. These stones are known locally as the seven sisters, while the outlying stones (second image) are known as the pipers.