Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandMagherafeltThree stone circles & six alignments
PREHISTORIC · STONE CIRCLE COMPLEX

Three stone circles & six alignments

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12961
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 six alignments is a prehistoric stone circle complex located near Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of three distinct stone circles accompanied by six linear stone alignments, representing a significant concentration of ritual and ceremonial structures from the Neolithic or Bronze Age period. The spatial arrangement of these circles and alignments suggests a carefully planned landscape design, possibly reflecting astronomical or ceremonial functions characteristic of prehistoric monument complexes in Ulster. This site exemplifies the tradition of megalithic construction across the Irish island during the prehistoric era and contributes to understanding the distribution and density of such ritual monuments in the north of Ireland.

Three stone circles & six alignments is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12961. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Three stone circles & six alignments?

Three stone circles and six alignments is a prehistoric stone circle complex located near Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12961.

What period does Three stone circles & six alignments date from?

Three stone circles & six alignments 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 & six alignments?

Three stone circles & six alignments 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 12961.

What other scheduled monuments are near Three stone circles & six alignments?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wedge tomb (1.8 km), Two stone circles, two alignments & cairn (2.4 km), The moat. mound (3.6 km).

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