This stone fort is beautifully situated nearby the N70 between Caherdaniel and Waterville, and overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay. It can be clearly seen from the N70, though the fort is down the valley next to a local road.
The stone enclosure was actually a defended farmstead and was probably the residence of a local chieftain in the 9th century.
The walls are about 2 metres high, a lintelled passageway on the south-southeast (165°) side leads to the interior. The passageway is 1.20 metres wide, 1.75 metres high and 4.20 metres long. The internal diameter is about 23 metres, so the total diameter is in excess of 31 metres. The top of the walls can be reached via flights of steps.
The inner yard was occupied by two houses, a circular one built earlier than the square one. Both dwellings replaced buildings made of stone and timber.
The circular building has walls 1.50 metres thick and an overall diameter of 9 metres. This building had also access to a souterrain, now blocked, used for food storage.
The square building has a plan of about 8.10 metres x 7.90 metres.
The stone fort has been restored in the past years so it has a wonderful look and the landscape is absolutely breathtaking!
So bad for the three East-European mindless guys who thought to use the fort as a playground for their stupid ball during the first part of my visit. Ireland should pick its tourists better!
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