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GOWLANE NORTH County Cork

This especially interesting but unfortunately mutilated stone circle lies in open pasture about 2 miles north of Donaghmore. The circle is of the West Munster type with an internal diameter of 21 feet, probably having nine stones originally. It is notable for the short entrance passage, demarcated by two radially aligned orthostats (one fallen) in front of the portals. The six stones still standing are about 3 feet in height, and the recumbent, or axial stone is a 4½ feet long rectangular slab set on edge opposite the portal stones, resulting in a north-north-east/south-southwest alignment through the centre of the circle.

This monument is under constant threat from cattle roaming between the stones and eroding the ground around their bases. As one of a small number of stone circles having the double portal feature noted above, its neglect is particularly deplorable and appropriate protective measures are urgently needed. Much of the damage is evidently recent, demonstrating how quickly deterioration can occur in a structure that has survived relatively intact for thousands of years.

Click here to buy the Appletree Press book from Amazon.co.uk. For more information click on: Ireland's Ancient Stones - A Megalithic Heritage by Kenneth McNally, published by Appletree Press.

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