Knockbaun megaliths
The megaliths of Knockbaun are located in the townland of Knockbaun ( Irish An Cnoc Bán , "the white hill") in County Laois in Ireland . The name Knockbaun also refers to townlands in the counties of Galway , Waterford and Wexford .
Knockbaun I
Knockbaun I is noted on the Ordnance Survey map (OS map) as the “Druid Altar” and in the inventory of the national monuments as a megalithic structure. It is difficult to say what it is because the stones lie in an overgrown field boundary area with no recognizable structure. Large boulders in the hedge can be part of the structure or the field boundary.
Knockbaun II
This structure is also noted on the Ordnance Survey map (OS map) as the "Druid Altar" and in the inventory of the national monuments as a megalithic structure. The arrangement on top of a hill is clearly artificial. It may be a square stone box about six feet on a side that is now filled with water, making the inside walls difficult to see. There are large stones nearby that could have been capstones.
Menhir 1
The menhir ( English standing stone ) is said to mark a battlefield of the 2nd century AD. The battle took place between Munster and Leinster , the latter led by Ae, a son of Dearbhail, King of Leinster. The stone leans at an angle, but the packing stones at its base saved it from falling over completely. It is about 1.2 m high, just as wide and 0.4 m thick.
Menhir 2
The menhir lying on the ground today is about 1.2 m high and wide and 0.35 m thick. It is also said to be related to the battle mentioned above. According to tradition, it lasted for three days and covered a wide area. The leader of the Leinstermen, Ae, is said to have died while crossing a ford on the River Barrow on the border with County Kildare . At this point is the market town of Athy (Irish: Baile Átha Í , city at the ford of the Ae).
See also
literature
- Kennet McNally: Standing Stones and other Monuments of early Ireland. Appletree Press, Belfast 1984, ISBN 0-86281-121-X .
Web links
- Knockbaun I megalithic system, description in English with picture
- Knockbaun II megalithic system, description in English with picture
- Menhir 1 , Standing Stone, description in English with picture
- Menhir 2 , Standing Stone, description in English with picture
Coordinates: 52 ° 54 '9.2 " N , 7 ° 12' 19.2" W.