The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

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Knockdrum (Stone Fort / Dun) — Fieldnotes

I visited this site in June of 2004 ... it's a nicely reconstructed fort with a neat souterrain and excellent views. While the souterrain was open for us, some have told me that they've found it locked.

The standing stone just inside of the entrance (and the altar stone just opposite, on the outside) are curiously placed, and had us wondering if they pre-dated the fort. I'm assuming that the standing stone, with its cross, was a pagan monument that fell victim to a monk many centuries later. If so, it's one of the better examples of this I've seen.

As you leave down the stairs and the path, scan the hills to your left for the Fingers.

Drombohilly (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

OS sheet 84 and a good pair of water resistant hiking boots were required to find this fine circle. We began searching from the boulder burials marked on the map, (and clearly visible from the road) and it was tough going. Next time, I'll try the northern rather than the western approach.

The fence surrounding the circle may be electrified, so beware. On one side, however, there was a stretch with only one wire rather than two, making it very easy to stoop under.

If you're here, don't miss the wedge tomb, which is about 200 meters to the south, further up the hill.

Drombohilly Wedge Tomb — Fieldnotes

Visited this site in June of 2004 ... the tomb was a bit hard to find, even with OS sheet 84. Tall ferns everywhere! I suggest starting with the circle, rather than the boulder burials (which are easy to see from the road north out of Lauragh). We started from the burials and ended up combing the hillside for an hour or so. We did find several other unmapped stone formations, however, that did not appear natural.

From the circle, look south and head up the hillside. You'll catch sight of the fence surrounding the tomb. The fence around the tomb may be electrified, but there are gullies here and there that make it easy to slip under.

An alternate route ... further north on the road, past the boulder burials, you'll come to a fence that climbs the hillside. Walk along this fence through a couple of gates and look for the tomb on your left.

The tomb is a fantastic specimen!
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