Achill-henge Travel Guide

Achill-henge is a contemporary monument on Achill Island, off the coast of County Mayo, that invites curiosity and contemplation. Erected in 2011 by Joe McNamara, the structure consists of 30 concrete columns topped with a ring of stone, standing over 4 meters high with a 100-meter circumference.Despite its Stonehenge-like appearance, Achill-henge bears no historical or cultural link to ancient Irish henges or stone circles. McNamara built it without planning permission, leading to legal disputes with the Mayo County Council. He argued it was an 'ornamental garden' exempt from planning rules, but the council and An Bord Pleanala rejected this claim.Achill-henge has garnered mixed reactions. Some locals admire it as an engineering feat, while others object to its presence on the landscape. Theresa McDonald, Director of the Achill Archaeological Field School, raised concerns about its proximity to a Bronze Age site.Regardless of the controversy, Achill-henge has become a point of interest for visitors to Achill Island. It serves as a place for reflection, offering views of the surrounding mountains and Atlantic waters. The monument embodies modern interpretations of ancient practices and stands as an unexpected landmark amidst Achill's natural beauty.