This significant archaeological site includes not only a stone circle, but also a radial stone cairn and a pair of standing stones. The site offers spectacular views of Bantry Bay to the west, the Caha Mountains and Hungry Hill to the north, including Sugarloaf and Knockboy. It is located in the Maughnaclea Hills at an elevation of 165m with views of Kealkill village, Carriganass Castle, and the Ouvane valley. The site was excavated in 1938 under the direction of Seán P. Ó Ríordán. The circle is 2.44m in diameter with five stones of various dimensions. The adjacent ring cairn is 8m in diameter. The site also includes two standing stones, one of which was originally over 5m high. Stone Circles are generally regarded as ritual sites where ceremonies took place and usually date from the Bronze Age. Ring Stone Cairns are thought to be burial monuments also from the Bronze Age. However, excavation at this site did not reveal any evidence of burial. While there has been speculation regarding the astronomical alignment of the structures, there is no scientific consensus on the topic. It may be that prominent landscape features rather than celestial bodies are the reason for a particular orientation. Whatever the purpose, sites such as this were of huge importance to our prehistoric ancestors whether as places of ritual, as astrological markers, as trading sites or communal gathering places.
External Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kealkill_stone_circle