Wednesday 25 September 2024

Boleycarrigeen Stone Circle, Co. Wicklow.

 


This stone circle is described on Archaeology.ie as follows;

"Situated in forestry on a low E-W ridge with extensive views to the N, E and S. Known locally as the 'Griddle Stones'. Circular site (int. diam. 13.5m) at present defined by eleven evenly spaced upright stones (1.3-1.8m apart). The entrance (Wth 1.3m) is at the SSW. The stones appear to rise in height from the entrance (H 1.3m) to the tallest stones (H 1.4-1.88m) at the NNE. The circle is on the inner edge of an earthen bank (Wth 1.75m (at the SE) to 2m (at the SW); H 0.4m). There are no stones in the NW quadrant or at E. A tumulus (WI027-040----) lies 75m to the E."






These photos were before the trees where harvested in the last few years and I believe they are starting to grow back now again. A number of astronomical alignments have been proposed over the years. Tom Fourwinds of www.megalithomania.com and Ken Williams www.shadowandstones.com jointly propose that this circle is aligned to winter solstice sun-set. Ken Williams took some photos in early January that suggest they are correct (See below).

I also note Professor Ronald Hicks suspects that the circle may also be aligned to the summer solstice sun-rise as the tallest stone in the circle marks its rising position.

Brian Doyle of Archaeoastronomy Ireland proposes a number of alignments here - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mxheZB3jPxAC9mje/

And these may even be linked to the Cursus on the slopes of Keedan Mt https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Looking-west-along-the-line-of-the-Keadeen-cursus-with-the-causewayed-enclosures-of_fig4_380112877

 

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