Ireland - Dromberg Stone Circle

Matt was our driver throughout the entire trip. He adjusted well to driving on the left. However, he did not like the 'L' roads. They were a bit bumpy; usually with high hedges on one side and a stone wall with over growth on the other; and... and this is a big 'and'... there was barely enough room for two cars, sometimes less room than that. Several times we had to pull over and stop to let the oncoming traffic past. Did I mention we were riding in a small SUV?

Besides searching out the touristy "must-see" locations in Ireland, Brynn also found many "off the beaten track" sites for us. The orchard we stopped at on the way to Waterford is one example.

Leaving Cork, our next main attraction is north west of Cork; the Ring of Kerry. It's not a place, or a thing. Basically, it's a drive around a penninsula. It's famous for its scenic value. To get there, would be a long drive. But first, we have one more stop.

We would be taking the highway west for a while, then some 'L' roads south to visit the Dromberg Stone Circle. This is an Neolithic site of recumbent stones where 17 freestanding stones are symmetrically arranged so that one stone (axial or recumbent stone) is set directly opposite a pair of tall stones (portal stones) to form the entrance to the circle.

Dromberg Stone Circle

A short distance away, there is the foundation of two conjoined huts, which are shown in the photo below.

In the lower left corner, you can see two circular sets of stones.  

Archeologists also found a paved (stone) path to a ditch and well with a nearby hearth; just to the right out of the picture. This consists of a trough and adjoining hearth with a well which were all enclosed by a low stone wall with an entrance to the south.

Water in the trough was heated by rolling hot stones heated by fire in the hearth, into the water. Experiments conducted during the excavation of the site in 1957 showed that 70 gallons of cold water could be brought to a boil in 18 minutes.

Brynn and Matt walking back to the car