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.