Ardcanaght Stones

The Ardcanaght Stones are a fascinating group of prehistoric standing stones and a stone circle located on a hillside overlooking Castlemaine Harbour in County Kerry. This ancient site consists of several upright stones arranged in a rough circle, along with a few outlier stones, all set in a dramatic landscape with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Dingle Peninsula. The stones are thought to date from the Bronze Age, around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, and their purpose remains a subject of speculation, possibly ceremonial, astronomical, or territorial. Visiting the site requires a short but steep uphill walk from the road, but the effort is rewarded by the sense of stepping back in time and the stunning vistas. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, with only the wind and the occasional sheep for company. Unlike more famous stone circles, Ardcanaght is rarely crowded, allowing for a personal connection with the ancient past. The stones themselves are weathered and lichen-covered, standing as silent witnesses to millennia of change. For those interested in archaeology, history, or simply seeking a unique and atmospheric spot, the Ardcanaght Stones are a hidden gem.

Don't miss

• Explore the stone circle and count the remaining upright stones, imagining their original arrangement.
• Take in the sweeping views of Castlemaine Harbour and the Dingle Peninsula from the hillside.
• Photograph the stones against the dramatic backdrop of the Kerry landscape, especially in golden hour light.
• Feel the ancient atmosphere and contemplate the site's possible ceremonial or astronomical uses.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Ardcanaght Stones

Cheapest way inGuided Killarney National Park Walking Tour4.8★ · 381 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Best full dayDublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour4.9★ · 5,853 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$52 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleJaunting Car Tour in Killarney National Park5★ · 184 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$57 per personSee dates →