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SimpleViewer requires JavaScript and the Flash Player. Get Flash. Kealkil

Kealkil - information and guide

Site Type:

Stone Circle

Last Visit:
Wednesday 5th September 2007
Country:

Ireland

Region:
Coordinates:
Latitude: 51.7448 Longitude: -9.3704
Site Ranking:
Directions:

Map
Head north out of Bantry on the N71. At Ballylickey, turn right onto the R584. At Kealkil, follow the road onto the R585 where it branches right, then take the next small lane to your right. Follow this to the 'T' junction first small layby on your right. Double back along the road until you see a gate on your right. Cross the gate, and follow the path until Kealkil comes into view.

Kealkil is a curious monument, consisting of a small stone circle, a cairn, and two large outliers. The circle consists of five stones of varying size, all around 1 metre in height. The two monoliths stand five metres to the north east of the circle, with the larger stone measuring 4.9 metres in height, and the shorter one 2.6 metres. The cairn is located south east of the monoliths, and had an external diameter of 8 metres, and features an internal ring of pointed kerb-stones, 6.4 metres in diameter.

The Kealkil site is situated on a shoulder of Maughanclea Hill, high above Kealkil village. Its position provides breathtaking views out over the Irish countryside, most notably taking in the spectacular vista of Bantry Bay to the west. Access is easy, with the circle lying a short walk from a convenient lay-by on the nearby road. A signpost helps point the visitor in the right direction, and an adequate track way runs close to the circle. In dry weather, crossing the final field presented no difficulty, but I can imagine the ground could become very marshy after rain.

Kealkil is a stunning little site - wonderful in its own right, but also enhanced by its location and by the proximity of Breeny More. Although the circle and cairn are both worthy of attention, it's really the two huge monoliths that dominate. Their stature and slender elegance create a dramatic visual impact that's guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.