Derryarkane Stone Circle facts for kids

The Derryarkane Stone Circle is an ancient and mysterious site in County Cork, Ireland. It is a special type of stone circle known as an axial stone circle. Today, it is protected as a National Monument because of its historical importance.

What are Stone Circles?

Stone circles are ancient monuments made from large stones arranged in a circular shape. People built them a very long time ago, often thousands of years before written history. These circles are found all over the world, but especially in places like Ireland and Great Britain.

Why Were They Built?

We don't know exactly why people built stone circles, but experts have some ideas. They might have been used for important ceremonies or rituals. Some circles seem to line up with the sun or moon at certain times of the year, like the summer solstice. This suggests they might have been ancient calendars or observatories. They could also have been places for burials or to honor ancestors.

Where is Derryarkane Stone Circle Located?

The Derryarkane Stone Circle is found in a beautiful part of County Cork, Ireland. It's about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) south of a small village called Kealkill. This area is known for its green landscapes and rich history.

How Old is Derryarkane Stone Circle?

This stone circle is incredibly old! It was built around 2500 BC (Before Christ). That means it's about 4,500 years old today. Imagine people living and building these structures so long ago, without modern tools or technology.

Different Types of Stone Circles

There are many different kinds of stone circles. Some have just a few stones, while others have many. The Derryarkane Stone Circle is a "five-stone circle." This type of circle, with only five stones, is thought to have been built a bit later than some of the very first stone circles.

What Does Derryarkane Stone Circle Look Like?

Derryarkane is a simple but powerful stone circle made of five large stones. These stones are carefully placed to form the circle.

Understanding Axial Stone Circles

Derryarkane is an "axial stone circle." This means it has a special layout. The stones are arranged along an imaginary line, or "axis." At Derryarkane, this axis runs from the northeast (NE) to the southwest (SW).

The Axial Stone

One stone in an axial circle is called the "axial stone." This stone is usually larger or placed in a special way. At Derryarkane, the axial stone is located at the southwest end of the circle. This arrangement might have been important for how the circle was used, perhaps for looking at the sun or moon.

Protecting Ancient Sites

The Derryarkane Stone Circle is a National Monument in Ireland. This means it's a very important historical site that the government protects. It's against the law to damage or disturb it. Protecting these ancient places helps us learn about the past and understand how people lived thousands of years ago.