Beara Peninsula

Archaeological sites on the Beara Peninsula

The Beara Peninsula contains a high concentration of prehistoric and historic monuments spanning 4,000 years. This collection features Bronze Age axial stone circles like Uragh and Ardgroom, early medieval ringforts, and the ruins of Dunboy Castle, a 15th-century O'Sullivan Beare stronghold. Industrial heritage is represented by the 19th-century Allihies copper mines and Napoleonic signal towers. These sites offer insight into ancient burial customs, defensive architecture, and the region's mining history.

Beara Archaeological Sites — Map

mozzercork / CC BY 2.0

A

Uragh Stone Circle

The Uragh Stone Circle is an axial five-stone circle located near Gleninchaquin Park, County Kerry, Ireland.

El Gringo / CC BY 2.5

B

Dunboy Castle

Dunboy Castle is a ruined 15th-century castle on the Beara Peninsula in south-west Ireland near the town of Castletownbere.

Heather Myers / CC-BY-SA

C

Ardgroom Stone Circle

A Bronze Age axial stone circle consisting of nine upright stones, some reaching over two meters in height, with views over Kenmare Bay.

D

wegde grave

A prehistoric megalithic burial tomb dating from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age.

E

Bearhaven Copper Mines

Remains of 19th-century industrial operations, including engine houses and mine shafts established by the Puxley family for copper extraction.

l.willersinn / CC-BY-SA

F

Castle

Ruins of a defensive stone fortification located on the western tip of the peninsula.

G

Hag of Beara

A large natural rock formation steeped in Irish mythology, said to represent the petrified remains of a legendary goddess.

H

Derreenataggart Stone Circle

A Bronze Age circle originally comprising fifteen stones, located on a hillside overlooking Castletownbere.

I

Knockacarrin Cairn

A prehistoric burial mound constructed of stones, marking a Neolithic or Bronze Age grave site.

J

Stonecircle

A megalithic alignment of upright stones dating to the Bronze Age ritual landscape.

K

The Three Musicians

A group of three standing stones located near Lauragh, part of the region's prehistoric ceremonial sites.

L

Killeenagh Buriel Ground

An ancient burial site historically used for the interment of unbaptized children and victims of the Great Famine.

M

Loughane More Ring Fort

An early medieval circular settlement enclosed by an earthen bank and ditch, used as a protected farmstead.

N

Teernahillane Ringfort

A well-preserved early medieval defensive enclosure featuring circular earthen ramparts.

O

Canalough Signal Tower

A ruined Napoleonic-era communication tower built in the early 19th century to warn of potential French naval invasions.

P

Adrigole Double Ditch Fort

A complex early medieval ringfort featuring two concentric defensive ditches and banks.

Q

Uragh North Stone Circle

A secondary megalithic site located near the primary Uragh circle, featuring smaller upright stones.

R

Gunpowder tower

A 19th-century stone structure used to store explosives for the nearby Allihies copper mining operations.

S

Stone row

A linear alignment of prehistoric standing stones, likely used for ceremonial or astronomical purposes.

T

famine farm

Abandoned stone cottages and field systems dating to the mid-19th century Great Famine period.

Other Lists

Beara Essentials Beara Peaks and Viewpoints Beara Lakes & Waterfalls Beara Peninsula Beaches