This is fascinating. To see one of these in such great condition, a condition that actually allows you to see what the text books try to explain is great.
The near circular area is surrounded by a low drystone wall, perhaps once acting as a wind-break. To one side of this there is a hearth where rocks were heated up on a fire. These rocks were then placed into the central, stone lined pit, which was filled with water. The rocks heated the water thus cooking whatever was within.
You will not see many of these exposed in such a way and so please take time to have a look at it. To be honest, this and the hut circles held more interest for me than the circle.
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There is much speculation about what these strange structures were. The main idea is that they were cooking places, but not enough have been excavated and of those that have been none have been associated with animal bones. Another theory, and my favourite, is that they were baths. Maybe they served both purposes!
However, I think I can finally settle the matter. While we were there a lovable cat kept following us around and spent part of its time drinking from the pit. So, there you have it. It was a giant pet's water bowl!
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| Uwe from Leinfelden-Echterdingen (Germany) |   |
A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
 Newtown Hill (Co. Dublin) |  Carrigeen (Co. Waterford) |  Coumaraglin NW (Co. Waterford) |
 Dromagorteen (Co. Kerry) |
