Growing up, I was always captivated by the mysteries of Stonehenge. This fascination got me thinking: Are other ancient stone sites as impressive as Stonehenge? Then I remembered I’d heard about some incredible ancient stones in Ireland.
So, I started digging around, and let me tell you, the results were mind-blowing. I spent weeks researching, pouring over maps, and even chatting with some local historians.
I wanted to find the best, most intriguing ancient stones Ireland offers. Trust me, you won’t believe the incredible sites I discovered. Get ready to be amazed! You can find them all right here.
1. The Uragh Stone Circle
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Website: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Uragh%20Stone%20Circle.html
Address: Uragh, Co. Kerry, Ireland
The Uragh Stone Circle, dating back to the Bronze Age, offers a fascinating window into our ancestors’ lives and beliefs. It comprises five smaller stones and a massive standing stone that rises nearly 10 feet high.
What’s cool about the Uragh Stone Circle is its unique layout. You have these portal stones that feel like an entrance, with two side stones and then that big axial stone lying flat. It creates a small circle—about 8 feet in diameter—which is neat.
But that monumental standing stone steals the show. Just standing there, you feel a sense of reverence, as if it had witnessed countless rituals or celestial events over the ages.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on exploring the Beara Way. Hike along this path before or after visiting the stone circle. It’s a perfect way to soak in the enchanting landscape and feel even more connected to this ancient site.
2. The Grange Stone Circle
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Website: http://loughgur.com/
Address: Grange, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, Ireland
The Grange Stone Circle is the largest in all of Ireland and boasts an incredible 113 standing stones. When you stand in the middle, you can’t help but marvel at how the circle is about 46 meters wide and has this nearly perfect shape.
This one stone, Rannach Chruim Duibh, is massive—over 4 meters tall and about 40 tons! The archaeologists discovered a posthole at the center of the circle, suggesting the whole setup was done using a rope tied to a stake.
The circle’s entrance aligns with the rising sun during the summer solstice, which makes one wonder what astronomical observations and rituals these ancient people might have had.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss a stroll around Lough Gur, just a stone’s throw away. This picturesque lake is steeped in history and folklore, making it ideal for reflecting after exploring the stone circle.
3. The Carrowmore Stone Circle
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Website: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/carrowmore-megalithic-cemetery/
Address: Carrowmore, Co. Sligo, F91 E638, Ireland
Contact details: +353719161534
The Carrowmore Stone Circle has the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which are among the oldest in Europe. This cemetery dates back to around 5,000 B.C.!
When you visit, you’ll find that there were originally over 200 tombs scattered across the landscape. However, time and people have taken their toll, and now only about 30 remain.
The centerpiece of this magnificent structure is Listoghil. It contains all types of tombs—portal tombs and passage graves—arranged in a fascinating oval shape that opens towards the north.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to hike up nearby Knocknarea Mountain. This area is steeped in legend. It’s said to be the final resting place of Queen Maeve, an iconic figure in Irish mythology.
4. The Beltany Stone Circle
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Website: https://voicesfromthedawn.com/beltany-stone-circle/
Address: The Tops, Raphoe, Co. Donegal, Ireland
The Beltany Stone Circle has 64 standing stones, all arranged in this almost perfect circle that spans about 44 meters—around 145 feet—across. It’s one of the biggest stone circles in all of Ireland!
The stones vary in height, most around 1.8 meters or about 6 feet tall. However, one stands out—a massive outlier stone nearly 2 meters tall, right to the southeast of the circle.
Right in the center of the circle, there is a belief that there was once a burial cairn or maybe even a passage tomb. The way some stones are aligned suggests that they marked important solar events like solstices and equinoxes.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on strolling Croghan Hill, which looms majestically nearby. This hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and has its Neolithic mound at its summit.
5. The Ardgroom Stone Circle
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Website: https://curiousireland.ie/ardgroom-stone-circle-ardgroom-county-cork-1000bc-1500bc/
Address: Ardgroom Outward, Co. Cork, Ireland
The Ardgroom Stone Circle has 11 stones, nine still standing proudly. These stones are unique because they taper toward the top, giving the whole circle an ethereal vibe, almost like they’re reaching the sky.
“Ardgroom” means “two drumlins,” which refers to the glacial hills that shape the incredible landscape around it. The town is surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and the Kenmare River estuary.
During the winter solstice, the circle stays in shadow for almost three hours longer than other nearby circles! That suggests that the builders intentionally picked this spot for specific astronomical reasons.
Pro tip:
Take a stroll through the surrounding sheep farm. The local farmers are welcoming and often share stories about the land and its history.
6. The Cashelkeelty Stone Circle
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Website: http://mega-what.com/SiteCat/CashelkeeltyROW/index.html
Address: Beara Way, Ireland
The Cashelkeelty Stone Circle has three stones left standing, remnants of what used to be a much larger formation. The tallest one is about eight feet high, and it feels like it’s guarding the place.
They reckon this circle was put together around 900 BC. Then, the other remnants of a smaller stone circle are nearby, hinting that this spot might have been where people gathered, worshipped, and connected.
I found it moving that people still leave coins and tokens at the site. It’s like a little gift to the past, showing that the connection to those ancient times is still alive. The stones symbolize a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual.
Pro tip:
Consider taking a leisurely hike along the Beara Way. This trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that complements the historical significance of the stone circle.
7. The Ballynoe Stone Circle
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Website: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/services/buildings-database
Address: Ballynoe Rd, Downpatrick BT30 8ET, United Kingdom
The Ballynoe Stone Circle’s history connects it to about 1,300 similar stone circles scattered across the British Isles and Brittany. This 35-meter-long circle is set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains.
Three outlying stones create an entrance, aligned just right to catch the setting sun on March 21. That’s the equinox! The ancients wanted to mark that special moment; you can feel that connection today.
Inside the circle, there’s a long low mound stretching east to west that once held two burial cists at each end. It makes you wonder just how many purposes this site has served over the centuries—rituals, community gatherings, maybe even burial grounds.
Pro tip:
Consider taking a stroll along the scenic paths lined with gorse bushes and dry stone walls that lead to the site. You’ll not only get some beautiful photos, but you’ll also experience the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside.
8. The Kenmare Stone Circle
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Website: http://www.theringofkerry.com/kenmare-stone-circle
Address: 52 Market St, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Operating hours: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
The Kenmare Stone Circle is one of the largest stone circles, stretching about 17.4 by 15.8 meters—56 by 49 feet—and its unique oval shape gives it a distinctive character.
Locals lovingly refer to it as “The Shrubberies,” it feels like more than just historical remnants. As you stroll up the circle, you’ll see 15 massive boulders perfectly laid out in an oval shape.
The centerpiece is this incredible boulder dolmen, topped with a massive capstone that’s around 2 meters long and weighs nearly seven tons! Just imagine these ancient folks’ engineering skills—they probably moved those stones from miles away!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on exploring the nearby Kenmare Heritage Centre. This local gem offers insights into the area’s rich history and culture through exhibits and guided tours.
9. The Dereenataggart Stone Circle
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Website: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Dereenataggart%20West%20Stone%20Circle.html
Address: Derreenataggart West, Co. Cork, Ireland
The Dereenataggart Stone Circle is one of those axial or recumbent types, which makes it pretty special. It originally had 15 stones, but now only eight are standing tall. Some have fallen, and others are buried under the earth.
One stone is about 2.3 meters high, dominating the landscape against the gorgeous Beara Peninsula. The stones are laid out in descending order of size, creating a captivating visual flow.
You start with this big, imposing portal stone and work your way around to the smaller ones. The axial stone across from the portal is flat and wide, looking a bit like a tooth. It adds to the circle’s mystique!
Pro tip:
Consider pairing your visit with a hike along the Beara Way. After soaking in the history at the stone circle, you can enjoy a peaceful walk that connects you even more deeply with the enchanting landscape of West Cork.
10. The Drombeg Stone Circle
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Address: Drombeg, Glandore, Co. Cork, Ireland
The Drombeg Stone Circle dates back over 3,000 years! Its name is Droma Bhig, which means “the small ridge,” and it’s one of the best-preserved stone circles in Ireland.
As I walked among the 17 large stones arranged in a perfect circle, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history around me. I was fascinated to realize the circle aligned with the winter solstice sunset.
They found cremated remains and artifacts that give little glimpses into the past. Then there’s the biggest stone, “The Druid’s Altar.” It lies horizontally, and people believe it was used for sacrifices or special ceremonies.
Pro tip:
Pack a picnic and enjoy it while soaking in the serene atmosphere. There’s something magical about sharing a meal surrounded by such ancient stones, where you can almost hear the whispers of history in the breeze.