Kealkill stone circle

Kealkill is an example of the type of stone circle commonly found in counties Cork and Kerry.

[3][n 1] This well-known stone circle is set on the slopes of Maughanclea Hill at 120–150 metres (400–500 ft) overlooking Bantry Bay on ground that would have been suitable for cultivation.

However, by the time of excavation this stone had fallen, presumably blown down in a gale, leaving a 5-metre (16 ft) broken piece and a stump protruding 0.30 metres (12 in) out of the ground.

The excavators set the broken piece vertical again, discarding the stump, so it is now 4.3 metres (14 ft) tall.

[4] In 1938 two shallow ditches were discovered in the acid peat crossing near the centre of the ring and it was supposed these once held wooden beams that in turn supported a vertical post.