| Bocan Stone Circle, Culdaff,
Inishowen, Co Donegal The Bocan Stone Circle contains seven stones. In
1816, there were a total of twelve upright stones. An examination of
stone circles in other parts of the country shows that the number of
stones was uneven, ranging from seven in some cases to nineteen in
others. Two stones mark the entrance and they are usually larger than
the rest. Opposite the entrance there are two key stones which are known
as axial stones. In some cases markings have been found on them. A line
drawn from the entrance to the axial stones is described as the axis and
this line is used to find the alignment of the stone circle. The
alignment of the Bocan Stone Circle is east-west and the peaks of Sliabh
Sneacht and the Three Paps of Jura may have been used to create this
imaginary line. Jura is visible on a clear day. Stone Circles were used
for burials and evidence of cremation has been discovered where
excavation has taken place. Central pits were found where cremation was
carried out. A report in 1816 states that graves have been uncovered at
the Bocan Stone Circle and a number of burial pots were also discovered.
It is understood that these were made of pottery and may have been used
for storing cremated bones. Stone Circles are normally found hilltops
and in coastal locations.
Settlement first took place
along the coast and hilltops offered greater security from attack. A
number of stone circles have been found close to copper deposits. There
are extensive copper deposits close to the Bocan Stone Circle and some
Bronze Age peoples may have been engaged in copper mining of a very
primitive form. Stone Circles are often found close to tombs and
standing stones. Several standing stones are within view of the Bocan
Stone Circle and some of them may have been used for purposes of
alignment. The stone circle also had an astronomical function and was
used to decide when one season began and another ended. When the sun
shone directly on certain stones, early farmers knew that one season had
ended and another was about to begin.
Standing Stone, Portaleen Pier, Glengad, Inishowen, Co Donegal
Coolkill Burial Ground and Standing Stone is situated on a small low
headland just above Portaleen Pier. There is an unrestricted view of the
sea, less good otherwise. This is an infants burial ground with small
stones marking graves. The Standing Stone, well-dressed with flat sides
and sharp corners, is of hard grey stone. It faces E-W with a small
rough incised cross on the West side; it leans towards the South.
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