Visited May 2010
Images
Visited May 2010
Visited May 2010
Visited May 2010
Visited May 2010
Dooncarton on a typical Mayo afternoon... Perhaps, but where would you rather be?
An intriguing juxtaposition of ancient and modern. Or just a gobshite photographer?
Dooncarton stone circle looking across Broad Haven to Rinroe Point.
Dooncarton stone circle overlooking Broad Haven and Rinroe Point.
Articles
Another afternoon visit, this, following a drizzly morning at Ballina’s ‘Dolmen of the Four Maols’... well, you can’t stay in a city and not venture out on foot to see the local sights, can you? Anyway, that done, a drive-about Co. Mayo, taking in Castlebar and Bemullet (Beal an Mhuirthead, that is) just happens to provide an opportunity to stop off at another prehstoric monument. Strange, that.
Heading back on the R314 to Ballina, the coastal loop at Barnatra is a worthwhile diversion for travellers with a little time – and the inclination – to experience something a tad out of the ordinary. After a while the minor road passes through the tiny ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ settlement of Dooncarton, nestling between the sea and a large, transmitter-bearing hill. Assuming you haven’t – blinked, that is – park-up and seek out the ‘West Coast B&B’ (oops, little bit of product placement there), above which, unseen, sits an excellent little stone circle. Access is via an uphill road beside the B&B and a subsequent step over a barbed wire fence. Well, this is Ireland, after all.
The siting is glorious, featuring superb coastal views – across sandbanks – to Garter Hill to the north, and the exquisite Sruwaddacon Bay to the east. Sure, the proximity of habitation does detract from the wild, untamed vibe a touch, but, strangely enough, engenders a feeling that the monument remains relevant, part of the community still. Perhaps that’s just wishful thinking?... The orthostats are substantial for a stone circle of these modest dimensions, lovely and unkempt, almost as if they have always been here. Come to think of it – to all intents and purposes – they have! Right on! I wish I had more than an hour to enjoy an extended ‘hang’ at this wonderful spot... but such is life. Having said that, Dooncarton’s obscure, shy little stone circle is now a part of mine. And I’m glad. I think we complemented each other for a few moments in time.
All is not rosy in Dooncarton, however, since a proliferation of ‘anti-Shell’ posters are visible upon telegraph posts as we drive above the – it has to be said – frankly gorgeous bay. Yeah, by all accounts big business is looking to develop this beautiful coastline. There are always two sides to every story, true... but...here? Somehow, though, I’ve the feeling Dooncarton’s little ring will remain aloof regardless. Seen it, done it, whatever.
This lovely stone circle is behind the “West Coast B&B” on the road to Dooncarton. The stones are enclosed within a fence on a sheep farmer’s property; be prepared to climb over the fence since the gates are locked. Outstanding views... even on a blustery winter day in February!
Located near Dooncarton 1 mile Northwest of Pollatomish below the Dooncarton Radar Station. 200 m East of the site the (maybe)remains of a court tomb.
Sites within 20km of Dooncarton
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Rosdoagh
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Gortbrack N
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Gortbrack North
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Knocknalower
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Knocknalower
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Fallagh North
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Fallagh South
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Belderg
photo 13 link 2