Dereenataggart West

Stone Circle

The weather was very unsettled on the day we visited Dereenataggart. When we first arrived at the circle, there was a heavy downpour. Since I had always wanted to photograph this circle we decided to go to Castletownbere get something to eat and call back in the hope the rain had cleared. It turned out to be one of our better decisions. I love the light when the sun comes out after a heavy shower. We were able to park very close to the field the circle stands in.

The stones were lit up in glorious sunshine as we approached the monument from the south. This is a fabulous example of a recumbent stone circle. There were originally 15 stones in the circle of which only 9 of them are still standing. Three of the stones have fallen at the west and there are three missing stones. One of the portal stones is 2.4 metres tall, the other is broken only a stump remains.

The stones are graded in height from the portal stones to the recumbent stone. This is the large slab to the left in the top image. As you can also see in the header image the top of the stones slope toward the recumbent stone. There are gorgeous views of Bear Island to the south. A visit is strongly recommended. On your way up to the circle from Castletownbere keep an eye out for the standing stone at Knockaneroe.

Situated: Easy. From Main St, Castletownbere turn right on to the Mill Rd heading north. After 1.8 kilometres you will see the circle in a field on your right.

Discovery Map : V 6652 4634. Last visit July 2011.

Longitude: 9° 55' 44" W

Latitude: 51° 39' 14" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson

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