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History
"Drombeg" means "the small ridge." This stone circle is locally known as the
Druid's Altar. It is set at the edge of
a rocky slope, in a beautiful greenbelt by the sea. Originally 17 massive stones, it is now
composed of 13 stones. It's solemn
symmetry invites the imagination to run wild - what mysterious rites were once
perform here? Some believe a ceremony
occurred during the Winter Solstice sunset.
To the west of the circle are the ruins of two stone
huts. The smaller of the two has a
cooking place, probably used for ceremonial purposes. It was still in use in the 5th
century AD. By dropping red hot coals
into the pool, it was discovered that it is capable of bringing 70 gallons of
water to a boiling temperature in just 18 minutes.
Location
Glandore, Co. Cork
How to get there
By car:
From Rosscarbery, take R597 west toward Glandore to Drombeg
Stone Circle.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie
website for all current travel details and restrictions.
Opening times
Open all hours.
Admission fee
Free entry.
My experience
In is wondrous to just stand in the space, quietly. Standing at the center of the ring gave me a
powerful feeling, like that of being on stage and having all eyes on me. I imagined a ring of people around me,
standing next to each stone. Or people
dancing in a circle around me. Much
could have occurred in this space, much that we do not understand today. It is also believed that stones mark the
crossing of important underground rivers.
Written by Liz O' Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
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