The Cahergall Stone Fort is located just a little off the main Ring of Kerry route near Cahersiveen and is well worth the time taken to view it. It has history, mystery and fantastic scenery all round.
At Least 1000 Years Old
Cahergall Stone Fort is a treasure not known to many Kerry visitors. It is an ancient stone fort and its very hard to pinpoint its exact date of construction. It is at least 1000 years old.
Cahergall is one of many stone forts found in the West of Ireland. It is a large fort and in very good condition. It is constructed of dry-stone wall and it is a testament to the skill of the people who built it in this way.
Inside the Fort there are the remnants of another dry-stone circular building and on the outer wall there are steps up to look out points right around the top.
Obviously, an important person lived in the fort in ancient times and security was a priority.
Magnificent Views
When one climbs these stone stairs to the various look out points one has a magnificent view of the surrounding coast and countryside. One can see: Beginish Island, Daniel O’Connell Memorial Catholic Church, Ballycarbery Castle, The Valentia Coast line, The Great Blasket Islands and a myriad of small sheep holdings.
How to Get There
On the Ring Of Kerry Route stop at Cahersiveen and turn right on to Bridge Street and follow the sign posts for Stone Fort. There is a car park on the right and one can see the Fort from here. There is a little gate and about a 5-minute walk to the fort.
This little laneway is a must for nature lovers. It is full of natural hedgerows and one has to stop and listen and spot the variety of birds that live here.
There is another gate to the Fort’s entrance. Then just enjoy this ancient Fort, dream of its past inhabitants and take in the breath-taking scenery. It’s a must for a family day out; however children have to be supervised at all times within the Fort.
Cahergall Stone Fort is similar in structure to some other stone forts in Ireland including Grianan of Aileach in County Donegal and Staigue Fort three miles west of Sneem, on the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry.
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