First glimpse of the ruins of the Staigue Stone Fort as we walk up the path — Ireland.

Back in the day, this is what the Staigue Stone Fort would have looked like — Ireland.

Entrance into the ruins is through the original doorway — Staigue Stone Fort, Ireland.

Partial panorama from within the fort — Staigue Stone Fort, Ireland.

Steps built into the interior wall allow access to the top — Staigue Stone Fort, Ireland.

Looking down on the steps (left) as Mui looks up — Staigue Stone Fort, Ireland.

Panorama of the fort from top of the wall — Staigue Stone Fort, Ireland.

Panoramic view from the top of the wall — Staigue Stone Fort, Ireland.

Off the Ring of Kerry: Staigue Fort

24 juin 2019, Irlande ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

A short detour off the Ring of Kerry took us to an old fort that I had read about when I was researching our trip — the Staigue Stone Fort.

The fort is described as being “… one of the largest and finest stone forts in Ireland.” Thought to have been the home of a wealthy landowner or chieftain, it is believed to date back to sometime between the 3rd and 4th centuries … before Christianity came to Ireland. The circular wall is nearly 20 feet high and over 13 feet thick. Built without the use of mortar, it encloses an area that is nearly 100 feet in diameter. None of the structures that would have been within the walls have survived.

Considering its off-the-beaten-path location, I was surprised at the number of people at the fort. Not that it was really crowded inside … maybe 10-12 people all told. I climbed up the unique steps — built into the inside of the defensive wall — that are a feature of these forts. I was hoping to get a partial panorama of the port without the other visitors. It wasn’t to be. The bonus of the climb? I managed a panorama of the scenery.

This fort, thoroughly different from what we’ve seen in Ireland thus far, was a highlight of our day ... even if the weather did not cooperate with blue skies and sunshine.En savoir plus

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