The central stone is a capstone of a burial dolmen, which weighs several tons.
The circle's layout features 15 peripheral standing stones, a count that varies significantly from other local circles.
It is locally known as 'The Shrubberies' due to the surrounding ornamental gardens planted by the Marquis of Lansdowne in the 19th century.
Archaeologists suggest the site was intentionally oriented toward the winter solstice sunset.
Unlike many isolated megalithic sites, this circle is located within a private residential area in the center of Kenmare town.
The Kenmare Stone Circle, also known as the Shrubberies, is a Bronze Age megalithic site featuring 15 standing stones arranged in a circular formation surrounding a central dolmen. It is one of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland, measuring approximately 17 meters in diameter. The central boulder burial or dolmen is a distinctive architectural feature, rare among similar circles in the region. Unlike many other Irish circles composed solely of standing stones, this site incorporates a capstone balanced on smaller supports. Excavations have revealed it was used for ritual purposes and possibly as a burial site around 2000 BC. The stones are primarily composed of local Old Red Sandstone. The site is situated on a small hillock within the town of Kenmare, providing a rare example of a prehistoric monument integrated into an urban residential setting.
From the perimeter path looking inward toward the central dolmen to capture both the surrounding circle and the burial stone.
Wear footwear with good grip as the grass around the stones can be slippery when wet.
The site is tucked behind residential buildings; look for the narrow laneway entrance near the town center.
Do not expect a sprawling, remote moorland site; this is a compact, urban-embedded monument.
Access is managed via a path through a residential area; occasionally limited during extreme weather or maintenance.
Do not climb or sit on the stones to prevent damage to the megalithic structures.
