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Heritage Ireland

Staigue Stone Fort

An ancient stone fort nestled within a peaceful valley

Unguided sites

Castlecove, Staigue
Kerry

Access available during daylight hours

Staigue Stone Fort

An ancient stone fort nestled within a peaceful valley

Unguided sites

Castlecove, Staigue
Kerry

Access available during daylight hours

Facilities

  • Car park

Restrictions

  • Uneven Surfaces
  • Uneven walkways

Notice

Staigue Stone Fort is a National Monument in state guardianship

*Access to site: Walking Trail

*Gated with public toilet & car park which is in the care of Kerry County Council

*An honesty box is available onsite

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

Staigue Stone Fort

One of the largest intact iron-age stone forts, or cahirs, in Ireland, dating from c.300 BCE

 

One of the largest intact stone forts in Ireland, this suggested iron-age building, known in Irish as a ‘cahir’, and thought to be one of the oldest in the country, dates from between 300 and 400 BCE.

 

Located in a spectacular mountainous amphitheatre, and standing about 150 metres (500 feet) above sea level, this imposing fortress is built of stone without mortar. It is entered through a two metre (6 feet) high south-facing passage door in the wall that is over 4 metres (13 feet 5 inches) thick, and leads into a space that appears to be perfectly circular.

 

Burrowed into its interior wall are two cells that were once thought to be the habitations for Pictish slaves. On the interior wall are ten flights of steps on two tiers, arranged in an X configuration. The moat, of fosse, surrounding the wall is c. 8 meters (26 feet) wide and over 2 metres (6 feet) deep. It has been suggested that the fortification was built to protect the valuable iron-age asset of cattle.

 

Protect our Past - Click here to read about the importance of protecting our country’s unique heritage sites

This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014

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