Site rating:
Maughanasilly is a row consisting of five stones. There is a sixth stone lying nearby, but it is not certain whether this was ever part of the monument. The stones vary in height, with the tallest rising to around 1.4 metres, and the shortest 0.5 metres.
Maughanasilly sits on the crest of a small hillock, above the crossroads of two quiet lanes, in a secluded tributary valley of the Coomhola River. The location is absolutely stunning. Dramatic views to the south west look out over the beautiful panorama of Lough Atoreen, framed on all sides by wild and craggy hills. Looking to the north west, the spectacular Shehy mountain range can be seen, dominated by the peak of Knockboy - "An Cnoc BuĂ" in Gaelic, meaning "the Yellow Mountain".
Although the rural backwater in which the stones reside is remote (and can be difficult to find), the site itself is easily accessible. A recently added gate in the adjoining lane provides an entrance to the field containing the stones.
Despite its small stature, Maughanasilly has plenty of atmosphere. The surrounding landscape makes this an incredibly magical and evocative site, and visiting late on a clear day pretty much guarantees dramatic and moody lighting that really enhances the ambience. Given the proximity of Breeny More and Kealkil (amongst others), Maughanasilly is well worth a slight detour. This is a wonderfully lonely and haunting site that won't disappoint.