Grange Stone is one of Ireland’s largest cromlechs. Located in County Limerick, close to Lough Gur (a pretty lake with peaceful waters), the site is a stone circle 45 metres in diameter. Comprising 113 megaliths, it is by far one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region!
View of Grange Stone – © Eugene Remizov
Grange Stone, is located not far from Bruff, on the Kilmallock road. Considered Ireland’s largest stone circle, it can be visited free of charge at any time of day.
Rather impressive, the site dates back to the Neolithic period, and would have been a place of worship. Researchers have found traces of unburnt human bones, cattle bones and numerous small bronze hunting tools.
The stones are quite imposing: without ever exceeding 1.2 metres in height, they describe a circle 45 metres in diameter. Whether by chance or design, the sun seems to strike the center of the circle every summer solstice.
A real mystery for archaeologists, who have already observed this kind of phenomenon on other megaliths, such as the Poulnabrone dolmen and the Newgrange cairn.
Don’t hesitate to take a tour of the cromlech: it’s a pretty cool site, and not very crowded. Its proximity to Lough Gur lake will give you the urge to picnic or simply take a stroll.