Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Srahwee Wedge Tomb


This great looking tomb would be in a very striking location but for a bungalow which has been built about thirty meters behind the tomb.

The single roof stone (the sites standout feature) covers almost all of the main chamber which is over four meters long.

Despite that the tomb now forms part of the Clew bay trail it was very over grown on the day of my visit and having seen pictures of Srahwee from before this would seem to be the normal.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Ardristan Standing Stone


The stone stands at 2.8 meters high it has six vertical grooves radiating down from the top, these grooves are believed to be partly artificial.  This stone is very easy to find as you leave Tullow heading toward Bunclody on the N81  it is situated in a field to your left.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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.

Friday, October 21, 2011

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.

Monday, October 17, 2011

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 !.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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.

Monday, October 10, 2011

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.