Archaeology Beara

Beara is home to a variety of archaological sites. The Beara peninsula is densely studded with Bronze Age remains: wedge tombs, stone circles and standing stones.

The Ardgroom Stone Circle

The Ardgroom Stone Circle stands in a field a couple of miles from the village. To find it, go to the Post Office in Ardgroom then head in the direction of Kenmare for approx. 2 miles, look for a minor road coming in from your right and a signpost pointing to the circle.

Cashakeelty Stone Circle

Cashakeelty stone circle stands high up in the mountains, and yet is easy enough to reach. If walking the Beara Way you will pass through it on your way from Ardgroom to Lauragh. If you are on the Ring of Beara make your way from Lauragh Post Office in the Ardgroom direction. Just before the road starts to snake there is a signpost with a parking area beyond

The Hag of Beara

'An Chailleach Beara' The Hag of Beara is the narrator of the finest old Irish poem in existence. She is said to have lived seven life times before being turned to stone. She is mentioned in verse by Padraig Pearse "Mise Éire Siné mé ná an Cailleach Béara" The rock lies beside the coast road from Eyeries to Ardgroom on the Kilcatherine Peninsula. Find the turn to Loch Fada, keep on coast road for another mile and it is on your left at the top of a steep hill.

Derreenataggart Stone Circle

Derreenataggart Stone Circle is close to Castletownbere. You to the top of the town to the Olde Bakery and take the road to the right and follow it up for about 2 miles, (at the junction keep left), the circle is on your right. There is a small parking area on your left opposite the entrance to the field. 

Leitrim Beg Wedge

Leitrim Beg wedge grave stands in a farmer's field near Adrigole. Take the road east from Massmount for about 3 miles, keep an eye out for a sign pointing to your left.

Uragh Stone Circle

Uragh Stone Circle stands between the Cloonee and Gleninchaquin Lakes, surrounded on either side by spectacular mountains. In the background is the Inchaquin Waterfall. To get there take the road from Kenmare to Lauragh, opposite the Peacock Camping Site you will see a sign directing you to Gleninchaquin. Follow this road for about 4 miles until you come to a junction and it is off to your right.

Wedge Grave 

This wedge grave lies close to the turn off to Dursey Island from the Allihies to Castletownbere road.

Kenmare Stone Circle

The Kenmare Stone Circle lies on the western side of Kenmare. If standing outside the AIB Bank cross over the end of Henry Street and continue walking, passing the shops and take the next left, then follow this road to the very end and you come to the entrance to the Stone Circle. An admission fee is often charged.

Cloontream Wedge Grave

Cloontream wedge grave standsd high above Castletownbere. Follow the Beara Way from town, behind the Millbrook Bar, take the first turn to your left and continue on up it until you come to a gate. Carry on foot from here for about two miles and you will see it off to your left. Fine views can be had from it.

Kilcatherine Cemetary

Kilcatherine Cemetary is well worth a visit. Follow the coast road from Eyeries to Ardgroom, you come across it soon after passing the Hag of Beara (above) The cemtary is thought to have been built by the same monks who built the beehive monastery on Skellig Michael. Some of the headstones are ancient, one of them just a cross hewn out of rock. There is also a famous cat's face just visible in the picture here above the arch.

Ring Fort in Bonane Heritage Park

The Ring Fort in Bonane Heritage Park is just one of several archaelogical sites waiting to be viewed. Also there is a stone circle, a bullaun stone, a Famine Ruin, and an ancient cooking pit dating from the Bronze Age.