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You are here: Home / Archives for Attractions

Kealkill Stone Circle

December 31, 2013 by Dunmanus

Kealkill’s magnificent stone circle is one of the most striking examples of megalithic architecture in Ireland.

The structure is made up of a circle of five axial stones, with a further two stones nearby, the tallest of which is over four metres high.

A small cairn of stones is also located close to the circle, with a ‘kerb’ of stones set upright in a radial pattern around the inside.

The elevated position of the stone circle on a mountain ridge gives extensive views across Bantry Bay to the west. You will look out over miles of hills and valleys in every other direction except south, where the mountain rises above the circle.

You’ll need to park at the roadside to access the farmer’s field in which Kealkill stone circle is located, but a walk from Carriganass Castle in the village below is rewarding. While the walk up through Kealkill village and on up to the circle is fairly strenuous, the views from there, across Bantry Bay towards Beara, and out towards West Cork’s highest peak, Knockboy (Cnoc Baoi), are breathtaking.

Filed Under: Attractions, History, Things to do Tagged With: megalithic, stone circle

Gougane Barra

December 30, 2013 by Dunmanus

Gougane Barra

‘The church on the lake’ at Gougane Barra is one of Ireland’s hidden gems.

During your visit, you’ll explore the traces of the hermitage at Gougane Barra where St. Finbarr lived. The beautiful chapel built in his memory on a small island on the still lake, known as St. Finbarr’s Oratory, is one of the most magical places to get married in Ireland.

The oratory is set against the stunning backdrop of the lake and West Cork’s beautiful Caha mountains. It’s a wonderful spot to engage with Ireland’s fascinating past and gorgeous scenery, and a visit here offers the traveller a moment of peace that will enrich the soul.

While Gougane is a wonderful place for contemplation, it’s also a great place to explore on foot or bike because it marks the junction of two of Ireland’s major way-marked walking routes: the Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara-Breifne Way.

The award-winning Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara-Breifne Way meet here, and – even on a short visit – there are a number of short, off-road circular loops for groups to choose from.
 

There is no admission fee for Gougane Barra. A car parking fee is charged if you drive further into Gougane Barra Forest Park

Location:Bantry, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:
Admission Fee:Free
Website:http://gouganebarra.com
Tel. 00 353 (0)26 47069
Email:[email protected]
TripAdvisor Reviews:Yes
Google Maps:Yes
Wheelchair accessible?
Facebook:Yes
Twitter:@gouganebarra

Filed Under: Attractions, History, Things to do, Walking

Carriganass Castle

November 21, 2013 by Dunmanus

Carriganass Castle – on the outskirts of Kealkill village, in the heart of West Cork – played a dramatic role in one of Irish history’s most exciting stories.

In 1602, the castle’s owner, Donal Cam O’Sullivan Bere, led his followers past its gates on a march to Leitrim that would see him join the Flight of the Earls from Ireland; that flight itself marked the end of Gaelic civilisation in Ireland.

Today’s visitors can explore the picturesque castle grounds. Guided tours are available, and many walkers each year take advantage of the waymarked routes that wend their way past this amazing monument at Carraig an Easa – ‘the rock of the waterfall’.

The castle is the perfect spot for a riverside picnic. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can walk the Srón na Gaithe loop walk, or the Poc an Tairbh loop walk from the castle gates. Kealkill Stone Circle can be reached on foot from here, and the castle is also connected to the Sheep’s Head Way and St. Finbarr’s Way.

Filed Under: Attractions, History

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This project has been supported by Cork County Council & the LEADER programme under the Rural Development Programmes 2007-13 and 2017-2021.
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