About an hour and a half south of Ballincollig, just outside of Skibereen, is the site of the ancient Druid Altar - The Drombeg Stone Circle. It took a quick walk along an old, cobblestone path to get to the site. When we arrived, it felt like we had walked back in time.
Although I was a bit disappointed in the size of the stones, we learned several things about the formations and the culture of that time. The most amazing thing about this site is that archaeologists can't say exactly what this stone circle was used for. It is said to be a burial ground, because a youth’s cremation remains were found in the middle of the formation. What can't be said is who the child was or why he or she was buried in such elaborate fashion. Some believe it was a sacrificial altar, but no one knows for sure.
Next to the stone circle is a "fulacht fiadh" which is believed to have been used to boil water, but its uses have been debated among archaeologists. Some believe it was used for cooking. Others believe it was used for dying clothes, while others believe it may have had ritualistic significance.
Regardless of the uses, seeing the stones in person and imagining the ancient Celtic civilization that lived on these lands gave me chills. It is truly thought provoking to visit ancient sites like this one.