Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Archaeological site · Kenmare, Kerry
Kenmare Stone Circle
A circle of 15 Bronze Age stones, a few minutes' walk from the centre of Kenmare, with a dolmen in the middle, on wooded ground by the River Finnihy.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Kenmare Stone Circle
The Kenmare Stone Circle is one of the largest in southwest Ireland and lies in a wooded area a few minutes' walk from the town centre, near the River Finnihy. It is formed by 15 stones arranged in an oval ring about 17 by 15 metres, with a larger stone and a dolmen-type burial in the centre.
The stone circles of southwest Ireland were erected in the Bronze Age, around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Archaeologists believe they had ritual and ceremonial uses linked to the sun and the seasons, and that some marked the sunrise or sunset at the solstices. The central dolmen, a capstone over smaller stones, would have been a tomb.
The site is on private land that is open to visitors. Around it, trees and the sound of the river make the place quiet, even with the town just a few metres away.
It's a short visit that pairs well with a walk around Kenmare's centre. In the same area, toward the river, there is a short trail that follows the bank.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 20 minutes.
Best time
In the late afternoon or early morning, when the site is quieter. It can be visited at any time of year.
How to get there
It is at the end of Market Street, about a five-minute walk from Kenmare's central square, with signs from the centre.
Tip
Follow the signs from the market square. Combine it with a walk through the centre and along the bay.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kenmare Stone Circle
How old is the stone circle?
It was erected in the Bronze Age, about 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
Is the circle far from the centre?
No, about a five-minute walk from the central square, at the end of Market Street.
What was the circle used for?
Archaeologists believe it had ritual and ceremonial uses linked to the sun and the seasons. The central dolmen would have been a tomb.