Drombeg Stone Circle Walk

This walk visits the Drombeg Stone Circle in County Cork.
A walk around the ancient site offers a striking mix of archaeological interest and scenic rural beauty. Also known as The Druid’s Altar, this Bronze Age stone circle is situated just over 2 kilometres from Glandore and can be reached via a quiet country road or footpath, with views of rolling hills and glimpses of the Atlantic in the distance.
The stone circle itself consists of 17 closely-set standing stones arranged in a circle about 9 metres in diameter. It is believed to date to around 1100–800 BC. The stones are aligned with the setting sun at the winter solstice, indicating its likely use in ancient ceremonial or astronomical practices. In the centre of the circle, a flat-topped recumbent stone lies opposite two taller portal stones, a feature typical of axial stone circles in the region.
Next to the stone circle are the remains of a fulacht fiadh—a prehistoric cooking site—with a well-preserved stone trough and a circular hut structure, offering insight into domestic life during the Bronze Age. Informational panels help explain the site's function and significance.
The surrounding landscape enhances the experience: the site sits on a gentle rise, giving open views across farmland toward the sea. On a clear day, the coastal hills and distant ocean form a spectacular backdrop. The area is rich in wildflowers during spring and summer, with butterflies and birds commonly seen around the hedgerows and fields.
The short walk to and around the circle is peaceful and atmospheric, inviting reflection on the people who once gathered there. The combination of ancient heritage and coastal scenery makes it a rewarding destination for walkers and history enthusiasts alike.
You can continue your walking in the area by visiting the pretty harbour in the nearby village of Glandore.

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