MONUMENT OF THE MONTH |
CO-ORDINATES 53 3' 21.116"N...6 45' 31.317"W |
APRIL 2012 |
BREWEL WEST STONE CIRCLE, COUNTY KILDARE |
The remains of this stone circle are located on the summit of Brewel Hill, surrounded by large bank and ditch, 60m in diameter. The ditch cuts the circle in half, leaving only four of the stones in place. One of the stones is a large quartz boulder and another has four large slots (the purpose of which is unknown) carved into the top of the stone, while another stone bears a relatively recent carving of a shamrock. The site is now a small forest plantation and access can be difficult. According to legend, three giants - pipers by profession -had a dispute as to which of them could throw a stone the farthest. They decided to put their strength to the test and chose Knuckadow Hill, 2 km south, as the position from which to cast the stones. The stones landed on the top of Brewel Hill where they remain to this day. The 4th and smallest boulder, was thrown by a younger, ambitious piper who was a spectator of the contest, to emulate his older brethren. |