Coolcoulaghta Standing Stones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coolcoulaghta Standing Stone |
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| Native name Irish: Galláin Chuar Chuallachta |
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| Type | Standing stones (stone row) |
| Location | Coolcoulaghta, Durrus, County Cork, Ireland |
| Elevation | 109 m (358 ft) |
| Height | 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Built | 2200–600 BC |
| Owner | Office of Public Works |
| Official name: Coolcoulaghta Standing Stones - Pair | |
| Reference no. | 565 |
The Coolcoulaghta Standing Stones are two ancient stones in County Cork, Ireland. They stand together in a line, forming what is called a stone row. These stones are also a special National Monument of Ireland. This means they are protected because of their history and importance.
Contents
Where Are the Stones Located?
The Coolcoulaghta Standing Stones are found in a field. This field is about 3.2 km (2.0 mi) southwest of a town called Durrus.
History of the Standing Stones
When Were the Stones Built?
These large stones were likely put in place a very long time ago. Experts believe they date back to the Bronze Age period. This was a time between 2200 and 600 BC. People in Ireland were learning to use bronze for tools and weapons then.
What Was Their Purpose?
The exact reason for building standing stones is still a mystery. Some people think they were used to mark boundaries. Others believe they were special places for ceremonies or rituals. They might have also been burial sites.
The Coolcoulaghta stones point towards the Dunbeacon stone circle. This stone circle is about 400 meters (a quarter mile) to the west. This suggests the stones might have been used to watch the sky. Ancient people often used stones to track the sun, moon, or stars. This helped them know when to plant crops or hold festivals.
A Story of Removal and Return
In 1980, the Coolcoulaghta stones were actually taken away. But local people were very upset about this. They wanted the stones back in their original spot. So, in 1983, the Office of Public Works put them back. They used old plans from 1977 to make sure they were placed correctly. These plans were made by archaeologists from Ordnance Survey Ireland.
What Do the Stones Look Like?
Both of the Coolcoulaghta Standing Stones are quite tall. They each stand about 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) (6 feet) high.
There was once a third stone near this pair. It stood about 63 meters (70 yards) to the south-southwest. However, this third stone is no longer there.
