Clodagh Standing Stones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clodagh Standing Stones |
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Native name Irish: Galláin an Chladaigh |
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Type | Standing stones (stone row) |
Location | Clodagh, Drimoleague, County Cork, Ireland |
Elevation | 192 m (630 ft) |
Height | 1 m (3 ft 3 in) |
Built | c. 2000 BC |
Official name: Clodagh Standing Stones - Pair | |
Reference no. | 536 |
The Clodagh Standing Stones are a fascinating pair of ancient stones in County Cork, Ireland. These stones stand tall, forming what is known as a stone row. They are so important that they have been named a National Monument of Ireland.
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What are the Clodagh Standing Stones?
The Clodagh Standing Stones are two large stones placed upright in the ground. They are part of a group of ancient structures found across Ireland and other parts of Europe. These types of stones are often called standing stones or menhirs.
Where can you find them?
These ancient stones are located in a place called Clodagh. This area is about 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of a town called Drimoleague in County Cork. It's a beautiful part of the Irish countryside.
How old are these mysterious stones?
Experts believe the Clodagh Standing Stones were put in place a very long time ago. They probably date back to the Bronze Age period. This means they are around 4,000 years old! Imagine people living there that long ago, setting up these huge stones.
Why were standing stones built?
The exact reason why people built standing stones like those at Clodagh is still a bit of a mystery. Historians and archaeologists have several ideas:
- Boundary Markers: They might have been used to mark the edges of land or territories.
- Ritual Sites: Some believe they were important places for ceremonies or religious events.
- Burial Sites: Sometimes, standing stones are found near ancient burial grounds.
- Astrological Alignments: It's also possible they were lined up with the sun, moon, or stars, perhaps to mark seasons or special dates.
What do the Clodagh Stones look like?
Both of the Clodagh Standing Stones are quite tall. They each stand about 1 meter (which is about 3.3 feet) high. They are a simple yet powerful reminder of the ancient people who lived in Ireland thousands of years ago.