So much has been written about this great embanked circle and rightly so. For one thing it is Ireland’s largest stone circle and the key site in an area rich in megalithic monuments and Neolithic activity.

The circle itself is some 55-60m in diameter and is surrounded by a 4m deep, 2m high bank. To the east is the much photographed entrance passage that cuts through the embankment which allows the Lughnasa sun to shine upon the two horned stones opposite as it rises. The last time that this phenomenon was observed was 1989, when it was featured in the local newspaper. The farmer who now looks after the land surrounding this amazing wealth of sites did have some postcards made up of this moment but has sadly sold out of them now. He also sells a small but very informative booklet on the whole Lough Gur area written by O’Kelly who excavated the site in 1939. The fence surrounding and protecting the circle was erected at Tim’s own expense and so he does ask for a 2 euro contribution from adults visiting the site. Please do respect this if he is not around so that the site can continue to be kept tidy for us all to enjoy.

Just to the north of the entrance, around the circle, are a pair of very unusual stones. The largest one, actually the largest stone in the circle at 20 tons, is known as ‘Rannach Croim Duibh’ or the Crom Dubh stone. Next to this huge stone stands a small stack of stones. This is thought to represent the Eithne, the corn child and concubine of the god Crom Dubh. It is said that the whole embanked enclosure was created by Crom Dubh when he dragged his two pronged spear around himself.

My visit here was somewhat disturbed by very indecisive weather, one minute the sun was shining and the next it was raining or hailing. All the while it was blowing a ferocious wind that cut to the bone. However, the sense of scale and power of this massive monument was able to break through this and impose itself upon us. This circle is a definite ‘must see’ site for anyone, but remember to check out all the other great places in the area.

I do recommend that any visitor should read the very good section in Mythic Ireland by Michael Dames on the Lough Gur area before coming.

The wonderful entrance is aligned to the Lugnasa (= 1st August = harvest time) sunrise and the sun falls on the mighty horn stones opposite. Many ox bones were found here on excavation. This is thought to be associated with the 'Ox Horn New Moon' worship and could be related to the Spanish bull cults.

The center of the circle is composed of tightly packed yellow clay. Again, on excavation a new-moon crescent was found made of packed stones extending to the south from the Horn Stones and another packed stone figure of a two pronged staff lay off center in the circle - a representation of the staff of Crom Dubh.