The Stone Circles of Glebe [Cong]

Circle Number 1
This is the circle that is signed from the main road.
It is quite large but the overall effect is spoiled by the thick black railing
surrounding the circle.

Circle Number 2
This circle can be found in a field behind the first circle and to the left.
Very few of the original stones remain but this circle still has a nice feel to it.

Circle Number 3
This circle is now part of someone's back garden.
On one side is a thick black railing (like circle 1) and the other side has had
a wall built right up against some of the circle stones.
This circle is located at the back of a house on the Cong side of circle number 1
(or directly behind circle number 4)

Circle Number 4
The biggest of the four circles but also the most ruined.
(perhaps a thick black railing might have been of help to this circle down through
the ages!!!!).
This circle can be found in the field behind circle number 1 (to the right) or right
behind circle number 3.



Overview
The four stone circles to be found at Glebe in Cong Co Mayo are all very different.
This site is a must see as the 4 circles are so close to each other.
Had this site been looked after down through the years, it would be nothing short of stunning.
On leaving these sites after my visit I felt "Ireland has missed a great opportunity"
All of the circles can be found in adjoining fields, with circles one and three probably easier to get to from the main road.
(note:-circle number 1 mapped).

Bweeng Wedge Tomb

This site can be found just a short drive up a farm lane way, just off the R619. 

What at first sight looks to be a stand out site, you soon find upon inspection to be a case of what might have been at one time.

The north side of the tomb looks to be in good shape, but as you get level you can see the site has suffered a landslide or two.

Bweeng is worth a visit, just don't be in a mad rush.   



  

Kilmogue Portal Tomb

This superb tomb is also known as Leac an Scail  which means ‘stone of the warrior’.

This portal tomb has been constructed using a large capstone resting on two large portal-stones and a pillow stone resting on a back stone.

The portal stones are around 14 ft high and the capstone reaches approx 18 ft. Its lower end rests on a smaller, horizontal stone which partly covers the chamber.

This is one of the largest tombs in Ireland and this site is an absolute must see,
another name this magic tomb may also be known by is Harristown  Dolmen.

Ballinafad Castle

Located just off the main N4 not far from Boyle, the castle is known as the Castle of the Curlews.
The castle is thought to have been built around 1590 to protect the pass over the Curlew Hills.
It was modelled on a 13th-century plan, Originally the Castle had four storeys and four towers of which three are still visible.
This ruin is well worth a visit and has easy access but beware during the winter the field can be very soft.

Castle Roche

Castle Roche is one of the most striking Anglo- Norman castles in Ireland and can be viewed for miles around. Located on a rocky hilltop, it commands wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
Lady Rohesia de Verdun built the castle in 1236 ad.
Legend has it that Lady Rohesia promised her hand in marriage to the architect if he completed the castle to her satisfaction. When he went to claim her hand, she had him thrown from one of the windows, which to this day is known as the 'murder window'.

Mihanboy (Meehambee) Portal Tomb

When standing this would have been a giant of a tomb, but time has not been kind to this megalithic.
Despite trees and barbed wire all over the tomb, this site is still well worth the effort of a visit.
Not hard to find just follow the signs from the main Athlone /Tuam road.

Nursetown Beg Stone Row

This is all that remains from what must have been an impressive stone row, only two stones remain.
The standing one is over three metres in length.
You will find more striking stone rows in the area, but few easier to find as this one is right beside the road.