Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandMagherafeltThree stone circles & cist
PREHISTORIC · STONE CIRCLE COMPLEX

Three stone circles & cist

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12806
Period
PREHISTORIC
Site type
STONE CIRCLE COMPLEX
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Three stone circles and cist is a prehistoric stone circle complex located in the townland of Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises three separate stone circles arranged in close proximity, together with an associated cist burial feature, representing a significant concentration of ritual and funerary activity from the Neolithic or Bronze Age periods. The exact dating and original dimensions of the circles remain subjects of archaeological study, though such complexes typically relate to ceremonial and burial practices spanning the third and second millennia before the common era. The survival of three circles at a single location is relatively uncommon and suggests this was an important focal point for prehistoric communities in the region.

Three stone circles & cist is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12806. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Three stone circles & cist?

Three stone circles and cist is a prehistoric stone circle complex located in the townland of Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12806.

What period does Three stone circles & cist date from?

Three stone circles & cist dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a stone circle complex. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Three stone circles & cist?

Three stone circles & cist is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 12806.

What other scheduled monuments are near Three stone circles & cist?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including White fort. platform rath (4.6 km), Counterscarp rath (4.7 km), Killelagh church. church, graveyard, & 2 bullauns (5.6 km).

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