ballynoe stone circle

We parked on the roadside, taking care not to block farmers gates. Five minutes walk took us to the stone circle, it's a pleasant walk and easy going but not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. As this is farmland and we visited in winter, wellies were necessary. The site is quiet, with pleasant views including the mournes. The fields and hedges are well kept. There are no facilities for picnics, or litter bins so please take your litter home with you. Altogether a nice place to stop on the way to or from a trip somewhere else.

A lovely site on the outskirts of Downpatrick. Great information board with the history. Fascinating stuff. Stones here have traveled all the way from Drogheda's and are some of the same as used at New Grange.

Just discovered this fantastic place the hawthorn covered walk is magical and the blackberries were in full swing! The stones seem to have faces and one can feel the energy of ancient ireland! Will be back in winter!

How have I not heard about this tranquil beautiful place before. Okay, not the easiest to find, but far from impossible....ask a local they are very helpful. The covered sunken lane way to the site edged on both sides by a dry stone wall made of vertical and 90 degree angled stones sets the scene for your arrival at a pretty large stone circle and burial mound. Views of the Mournes are right there, and today rooks were circling in their dozens on summer thermals to dizzying heights and buzzards were prowling the area too. Tranquil and quiet.... amazing little sanctuary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballynoe_Stone_Circle

Ballynoe Stone Circle is a mini Stonehenge in Northern Ireland. The approach along a charming farm lane is almost as romantic as the stone circle itself. The ancient stones lie in the shadow of the towering Mourne Mountains and one can understand why our ancestors found this a religious place to worship and perhaps, to bury their dead whom they also worshipped. Owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) the site is free to visit, open 24/7 and is really only promoted by NIEA and the wonderful local, Downpatrick Museum run by Mike King. A secret place waiting to be discovered by you.

I'm a bit of a nut for stone circles etc. But you can't help feel the mystery of such places as you walk around touching the stones and wonder at what prompted out ancestors to build such beautiful structures.

I lived in Northern Ireland for many years and never knew this place existed, up until now my favourite circle to visit has been Beltaney outside Raphoe in County Donegal (it has a little laneway approach too).................. I was thrilled to bits with this one, the laneway is gorgeous & I'm sure would be beautiful in summer when it is all in bloom, although it was still atmospheric in winter (mud is to be expected in Ireland).......... the setting is superb and we had snow on the Mournes in the backdrop, a truly magical experience. The circle itself is wonderful. thank you tripadvisor for helping me discover an absolute gem!

Having been many years ago I decided that I would revisit the site with a friend who was more than impressed. The walk down the lane takes you to a Middle Earth like tranquility. There are views of the rolling Lecale landscape from here with the Mournes in the distance. The old Train Station adds to the charm of the visit.

what a lovely walk down to find the circle via a special tree lined path, the site is amazingly special

This site is difficult to find but well worth it for the historical buff. You can wander the site as long as you wish as there is not many visiting at one time. There is no fee. The path leading to the Stones can be muddy so be prepared.

Quite a brilliant site and very extensive. we walked around for many minutes, taking in the many stone circles, as it consists of multiple circles. Very unusual and like nothing I have ever seen before. The explanation boards were adequate and gave enough information. The views of the surrounding countryside and mountains was wonderful, and one could sense why this place was chosen to exist here.

One reviewer has said that this site is 'not for pansies', but I am a 'gay' man of over seventy, who goes frequently, and has photographed it in sun, snow and moonlight. Townies who are afraid of cattle or cow-pats or muddy lanes should not bother. Ireland is a muddy island.It is an unique stone circle of British type (similar to some in Cumbria), which dates from way before 'Celtic' intrusion in Ireland. It features on my Irish Megaliths site (irishmegaliths.info) and bears no relation to a theme park, unlike Newgrange.The 'green lane' which leads to it is one of the last such remaining passable in the whole of Ireland.

This was our first stone circle in Ireland. It took awhile to figure out where to enter the circle. After locating the fence and trudging down the somewhat muddy path, we found it. Well worth the effort to get there. As with so many places in Northern Ireland, we had the place to ourselves.

Worth the walk, the stone circle in the field is amazing.

OK, there are probably more spectacular stone circles. However, the path on the way to this circle is a very long arch way of beautiful hedging. It's really a lovely walk and something special to see on its own. I've posted a photo I took on New year's day. And yes, as other reviewers said, it was mucky. However! We went there today in May and it was not mucky at all. So really, it does depend on the weather. If you're going on a fine day to Tyrella Beach, then this isn't that far off the track either on the way to or from. Certainly make a stop to this magical little detour.