Knocknakilla Stone Circle
A megalithic complex including a stone circle, standing stones, and a cairn
Unguided sitesNotice
Knocknakilla Stone Circle is a National Monument in state guardianship
*Access is up a mountain*
WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur
Knocknakilla Stone Circle
Knocknakilla five stone-stone circle, two standing stones and a radial-stone cairn make up this megalithic complex on the upper north-west slopes of Musherabeg Mountain, 11kms from Millstreet.
The site was excavated in 1931 and found that the interior of the stone circle was flagged and a large number of quartzite stones were scattered around the entrance. At that time, the stone circle had all five stones standing, today two lay flat. The stone circle is aligned north-east to south-west, allowing for the setting sun marking the winter and summer solstices.
Of the two standing stones, a short distance west, one is lying flat and measures over 4m and the other is upright and is over 3m tall, with the same alignment of the stone circle. The radial-stone cairn is just east of the stone circle and standing stones and is defined by a circle of ten radially-set stones marking the perimeter of the cairn.
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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014
Gallery
Nearby sites to visit
Ross Castle
A lakeside citadel steeped in legend
Approx. 34.9 km from Knocknakilla Stone Circle
Doneraile Court and Estate
North Cork’s ‘real-life Downton Abbey’
Approx. 38.1 km from Knocknakilla Stone Circle
Annes Grove Gardens
A horticultural paradise in north Cork
Approx. 43.3 km from Knocknakilla Stone Circle
Ilnacullin – Garinish Island
An island garden of rare beauty
Approx. 46.6 km from Knocknakilla Stone Circle
Desmond Castle Kinsale
A building at the core of Kinsale’s history
Approx. 47.8 km from Knocknakilla Stone Circle
Desmond Castle Newcastlewest
Where sounds of medieval revelry echo around the walls
Approx. 49.5 km from Knocknakilla Stone Circle