Staigue Fort
Coordinates: 51 ° 48 ′ 19.07 " N , 10 ° 0 ′ 57.49" W.
Staigue Fort ( Irish Cathair na Stéige ) is a ring fort in the south of the Iveragh Peninsula , in County Kerry in Ireland , which is surrounded by the " Ring of Kerry ". It belongs to Cahergall and Leacanabuaile (near Cahersiveen ), Cathair an Lóthair and the neighboring Caherdaniel Fort (all in County Kerry), Caherconnell and Caherdooneerish in County Clare, the forts on the Aran Islands and the Grianán of Aileach in the north of the island in the county Donegal among the best restored ring forts in Ireland.
investment
The circular wall is up to 5.5 m high and up to 4 m thick. The diameter of the plant is about 27.0 m. A low gate opening leads inside. On the inside, two chambers are let into the wall. The ceilings of the chambers are covered with stone slabs and are waterproof. Several stairs lead to the top of the wall. The dating of the plant was difficult. It is assumed, however, that this stone fort was a few hundred years BC. Was created.
interpretation
The ring forts are usually interpreted as defensive structures. Others see it as a safe night place for humans and animals or a cultic facility. There are only a small number of comparable systems. These include Cahergall and Leacanabuaile in County Kerry, Dun Aengus in the Aran Islands, and the Grianán of Aileach in County Donegal .
getting there
From the small village of Castlecove you drive inland on a narrow road and after about 5 km you reach a visitor car park. From the parking lot you can see the fort at the end of the valley.
Monuments in the area
A little south of the ring fort there is an old stone bridge next to the road. If you cross it on foot, you will reach a fence after about 50 meters. Then you go about 100 meters to the right up the hill. There you reach some rock slabs that are provided with numerous incisions .
Caherdaniel Fort is about 7.5 km away .
literature
- Matthew Stout : The Irish Ringforts , Dublin 1997, ISBN 1-85182-582-7 .
- Pádraig Ó Loingsigh: Cathair na Stéige Staigue Fort . Oidhreacht na Stéige, oA 1989
