The
capstone on the boulder-burial at the ring's centre weighs about 7 tons
(85Kb)
This circle lies in the town of Kenmare itself, not far from the Cromwell Bridge. Unlike any other ring in Muster, this one
is egg-shaped, measuring 17.4 x 15.8m (56 x 49ft). Such shapes are unusual; their design could be a late geometrical
development.
Locally known as 'The Shruberries', the Kenmare stone circle is probably the largest in SW Ireland,
and it is composed of 15 heavy boulders: 13 standing and 2 prostrate at the north. At the
centre is an impressive boulder-burial with a giant capstone some 2m long, 1.8m wide and 0.8m
thick (6ft 6in x 6ft x 2ft 6in). The weight of this capstone must be almost seven tons - at least
30 labourers would be needed to drag it into position.
Near Kenmare is a copper deposit: it
seems that boulder-burials, along with stone rows and monoliths, have a widespread association with
the copper-bearing areas.
The
capstone on the boulder-burial at the ring's centre weighs about 7 tons
(85Kb)
