Stone circle

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on elevated grassland known locally as 'Knockfleming', with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from W-N-E. Hilltop ringfort (LI014-069--) visible 440m to SSE. Standing stones (LI014-140---/041/042-) in fields 290m to E. High Park House located 1.3km to NNE. In 1826 it was recorded that there was a 'stone circle near High Park, the residence of Joseph Gabbett, Esq. where a number of stones are to be seen, some lying in confusion, others in circles or direct lines. It is remarkable that they are all round, and one large stone [LI014-024----], detached from the rest, stands erect, which measures nine feet [3m] in height, nearly the same in breadth, and is four feet [1.2m] thick on one side' (Fitzgerald 1826, 288). Lynch suggested that this standing stone (LI014-024----) was the 'large central stone of the stone circle' and that 'the other stones were removed many years ago' (Lynch 1896, 467). A low scarp visible in places suggests the existence of an embanked stone circle or hilltop enclosure encircling this impressive standing stone. Lynch (1911-13, 26) suggested that these stones were removed from Knockfleming 'over sixty years ago [c. 1850]'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 22 January 2019

References

Fitzgerald, P. 1826-7 The history, topography, and antiquities of the county and city of Limerick. 2 vols. Dublin.

Lynch, J.F. 1896 Caherconlish. Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society 2, 307-316, 345-360, 385-392, 443-449 & 467-477

Lynch, J. F. 1911-13 Notes on Place Names in North East of County Limerick, North Munster Antiquaries Journal 2, 23-28