The Druid's Judgement Seat Co Dublin

                                        Above Image: Remains of a cairn

                                     Above Image: More remains of a Cairn

                                           Above Image: The entrance path

                                           Above Image: The entrance gate

                                     Above Image: Up close view of the seat

Located in a small secluded wood in leafy Killiney this often overlooked oddity is a really interesting find.
The name "Druid's Judgement Seat" as it is referred to probably stems from the very prolific Druidical history in this area but it unlikely that this chair ever seated a Druid as it is believed to be a Victorian folly. Some historians believe it could be genuine but most will wave you away with their hand if broached on the subject.
Folly or not it is a genuinely strange monument. It is surrounded in this area by several large stones which are the ruins of three recorded Bronze Age Cairns that stood here. It appears that stones were raided from these to construct the Seat leaving some true historical monuments bereft of importance. It is also thought that the Cairns were surrounded by a Stone Circle which would most certainly have had some importance to local Druids. Indeed there are quite a few odd looking rocks strewn around this area which could give credence to this.
The little copse surrounded by trees is so secluded that even the decorated footpath leading up to the trees looks like part of the landscaping of the verges of nearby houses. A short walk up this pathway leads you to  a small open gate and directly into this small  historical quarter. Some cleaning up of the undergrowth and weeding done in the past seems to reversing as the area sadly looks to be drifting back to an overgrown state. The Seat is located at the far end from the entrance and provides a great photo opportunity for anyone caring to sit upon it. Even though there are nearby houses it is so quiet and secretive here.
There is a similar type of seat called "The Brehon's Chair" in Taylors Grange Co Dublin but this has now been ensconced into a gated community as some sort of centrepiece and is not as easy to access. This  annoying practise by construction companies has occurred at several other interesting sites. Personally I think that the Killiney Seat is the better of the two anyway. We have Visited the Killiney site on several occasions and have never met another soul but I am sure there are many who would be interested in visiting even though it is not featured on many maps.
Tho find The Druid's Judgement Seat take the M50 Southbound and exit at Junction 16 onto the R118. Drive straight through the next roundabout and past the junction with Wyattville Rd. At the next junction there is a  right hand turn onto Moorefield. Turn here and take the immediate left onto Killiney Avenue. You will reach a small roundabout. Turn right and follow this road all the way until you reach a T- Junction. Turn left and a few yards on park at the kerbside opposite Killiney Heath which is on your right. You will spot the little pathway leading up the grass verge on the right hand side.