The absolutely breathtaking Eightercua Stone Row is located near Waterville on the Iveragh Peninsula in Co. Kerry. The row comprises of four stones aligned in an east-west direction, and is about 7.5 metres in width with the tallest of the stones measuring 2.7 metres. As one approaches the stone row it appears to be on a raised horseshoe shaped mound leading many to speculate that the site may have once housed a tomb and ancient enclosure. This has also lead scholars to believe that Eightercua was of significant ritual importance. The site dates from around 1700BC and in Irish Mythology is said to be the burial place of Scéine who was the wife of Amergin mac Míled, the leader of the Milesians. The Milesians are believed to be the last mythical invaders of Ireland and settled the area around 1700BC.
Eightercua could not be located in a more picturesque spot, sadly it seems access to the site can be restricted and I have heard reports of a bull being kept in the same field as these beautiful stone, so beware!
GPS: 51.81485, -10.15849
Wow they are amazing Ed and so are your pictures! They really stand out in that vast open landscape of land and sky… and what a sky behind them! Do you think the area would have been forested when they were erected? I can certainly see why Sceine would have wished to be buried there.
Ali thank you for your comment and nice words. My first time using a new digital slr and I’m happy with the outcome. The area is very fertile but somewhat rocky, the way it is sloped I imagine it might not have been massively forrested behind the stones, leading down to the ocean but I would say the opposite side of it/a slow rising hill would’ve been dense with forest. In my mind anyway 🙂
And indeed a perfect spot for the strong woman who stood beside a leader of men 🙂
Indeed! Shame about the private land and bull guardian… I’m guessing he wasn’t there on the day of your visit!!!
No bull! And there is a way of getting to the site that may not cross private land but it’s awkward and I always think if someone gets annoyed with me crossing their land to see these sites, well they don’t understand the importance of these places. I understand people fear accidents and legal actions, especially in libel ridden Ireland but it will never stop me understanding, appreciating and visiting our collective history 🙂
I’m totally with you there!!!
🙂