Also known as the Druid Altar, Drombeg Stone Circle is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Ireland. The stone pillars are arranged in a mysterious ring in the green, rolling countryside of County Cork. Do you want to discover the history of the site and see it for yourself? Here is how to visit Drombeg Stone Circle.
Story
Drombeg Stone Circle is an archaeological area made up of 17 large stones staged in a mysterious ring. Because the monument is thousands of years old, there is little that can be fully confirmed about the history of the stone circle found in West Cork.
The circle is sometimes called the Druid Altar because some believe it was a place for ceremonies. Excavations around the stones uncovered cremated bones and other objects that indicate it was used for a burial. Other theories about the site suggest that two of the 17 stones are depicted to represent male and female energy.
Most intriguingly, one pillar has a notch facing two hills in the distance. Every year on the winter solstice, the sun rises between the hills and hits the marked stone, but the alignment is not perfect, so it is still debated whether the placement was intentional.
Next to the stone circle are two stone huts and one is probably the remains of a fulacht fiadh, an old cooking place surrounded by hut dwellings. The common kitchen area probably dates from the Bronze Age and consisted of a stone trough, hearth, and well that was surrounded by a low rock wall.
The kitchen arrangement was an ingenious way of preparing large amounts of food for the people who lived in the adjoining huts while consuming the least amount of energy. The trough could hold about 70 gallons of well water. The stones heated in the hearth fire would be rolled under the trough or placed inside for the water to boil. The hot water could be used to cook meat or other foods for several hours without reheating.
While most of the evidence suggests that the setup was used for cooking, there are other competing theories that suggest that the archaeological site could have been used as a bathing area as well (which makes sense given that hot water would also be needed in this case), or even to brew beer.
Things to do in Drombeg Stone Circle
Drombeg Stone Circle is located in the countryside in West Cork and there is little else to do than walk the site and take in the views. The stones are located on a slope that faces the sea.
Location and how to visit
Drombeg Stone Circle is located in Glandore, County Cork, Ireland. It is best to arrive by car or organized bus. If you are driving yourself, take the R597 towards Glandore and then follow the signs to turn onto Drombeg Stone Circle. There is parking, and it is a popular stop to make while driving down Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork.
Because the megalithic monument is in the open air, it is always open. It is also free to visit.
The best day to visit would be the winter solstice because some believe that the stones were specifically arranged to capture the sunset on this day. However, the unique arrangement is fascinating on any day of the year. However, because the site is Ireland’s most famous stone circle, it’s best to go early in the morning before the real crowds arrive.
What else to do nearby
Those who are interested in a bit more recent Irish history can visit the Michael Collins Center, a family museum just outside Clonakilty, Cork. The small museum is dedicated to the life of the Irish revolutionary hero and has a collection of memorabilia and artifacts, as well as life-size memorials dedicated to Collins. For a true pilgrimage, Collins was born in nearby Woodfield.
Kids will love the West Cork Model Railway Village which can also be found in Clonakilty. The miniature buildings have been perfectly designed to scale and recreate the West Cork railway line that used to be operational in the 1940s. There is a working model train that runs between the small villages that were once part of the line, Or hop abroad on the ‘road’ train for a tour of the modern city.
For an adrenaline rush, stop for a zipline session and aerial obstacle course at the Clonakilty Park Adventure Center.
