The Standing Stone

Welcome to 'The Standing Stone'...

2022-08-03T18:23:00.226+01:00

The Standing Stone features information, pictures and discussion about historical sites in Ireland with a focus on the midland region. Ranging from megalithic tombs to 17th century fortified houses you will find a variety of interesting places. Here you will see an Ireland that you will not find in the guide books. Most sites covered here are largely unknown and largely off-road! I cover only places that I have personally visited and therefore can give detailed information about the difficulty of seeing a particular site and things to be aware of. I hope you enjoy this site and please feel free to leave comments and feel free to contact me with any questions and suggestions.

The goal of this site is to eventually represent the whole country. Initially this site began with sites in Laois and Tipperary only but has now expanded to include Offaly, and more recently, Carlow, Limerick, Kildare, Roscommon and Sligo. I hope to include Galway, Kilkenny and Clare in 2011. If there is a site you would like me to cover please feel free to contact me.

This site is always expanding as I visit more sites so please check back again...if I have left out a major site, rest assured that it will eventually find its way on here. This site is more about the lesser known sites in Ireland. On average I add three new sites per week.

News and visit blog has been updated on 31st December, 2011...click here.

The Standing Stone now has 284 sites and 1837 photographs...and counting.

'Cloghfadda,' Baurnadommeny, Standing Stone, Co. Tipperary.

2012-01-30T10:10:00.003Z

Location – Just North of Rear Cross.
OS: R 846 603 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 13' 40.06" W
Latitude: 52° 41' 37.3" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a great standing stone and it’s amazing that it’s still here. It juts out right onto the road and, although it’s a quiet country road, it’s a miracle that nothing has hit it. The only place to pull in to see it this is right next to it and I think it’s only a matter of time before someone backs their car into it. It stands about 2m high and is connected to Diarmuid and Grainne. Diarmuid carried this stone on his back and Grainne carried a smaller one, which is now missing. However, there is another standing stone in this townland with a fallen stone nearby and I think that the myth may be referring to these stones instead (I need to get out and see these). This stone is very close to a nearby wedge tomb and I’m assuming that the stone was placed here because of the tomb and may be related to it in some way. This is a great stone to go and see.

Difficulty – Easy to spot, just don’t knock it over.

For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.
For more standing stones, click here.

Looking towards the nearby wedge tomb, barely visible against the trees.
View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Shanballyedmond, Court Tomb, Co. Tipperary

2012-01-18T11:04:00.005Z

Location – South of Rear Cross and the R503 in the foothills of the Slievefelim mountains.
OS: R 842 588 (map 66)
Longitude: 8° 14' 1.1" W
Latitude: 52° 40' 48.72" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is an impressive tomb and is right in the middle of an area that is riddled with wedge tombs. Unfortunately, the surrounding landscape is residential and trees spoil the relationship that this tomb has with the geography of the area. The tomb was excavated in 1958 and partially restored. All capstones are now missing but the tomb boasts a kerbed cairn roughly 12.5m long and 9.5m wide in a U-shape, characteristic of wedge tombs and considering the proximity of many wedge tombs this is hardly surprising. The court (4 x 3m) leads to a gallery with 2 chambers divided by a single jamb stone. The entrance to the chamber is formed by two jamb stones and both chambers are roughly the same size (2m x 2m). The chamber is closed at the rear end by three stones. Some of the stones in the tomb reach just short of 2m. Excavations revealed a series of 34 post holes surrounding the tomb about 2m from the kerb. This indicates that there was a wooden element to the overall structure or perhaps a wooden structure predating the stone tomb. Bones of 6 Neolithic people were found with flint arrow heads, stone implements and some pottery.

The tomb is impressive but I feel it has been let down by the changes to the landscape. Any alignments are lost because of the trees and picnic tables sit only meters from the tomb making it appear like a garden feature more than an ancient tomb.

Difficulty – Easy to get to. There is a car-park and information board.

For more Neolithic tombs, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

The remains of the cairn and kerb.

Looking into the chambers from the court.

The rear of the second chamber. There are two non-functioning jambs at the base of these rear stones.

The jamb stones dividing the chambers.

Looking out into the court from the first chamber. Sorry about my shadow.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Lackamore, Wedge Tomb, Co. Tipperary.

2012-01-11T09:55:00.000Z

Location – On Corbally Hill in the Arra Mountains, not far from ‘The Graves of the Leinstermen’ and close to the Killaloe slate quarries.
OS: R 770 788 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 20' 27.36" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 36.25" N
GPS: R 77039 78843 (Accuracy - 5m)

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Given that this wedge tomb is close to the Killaloe slate quarries it is a miracle that it wasn’t swallowed up by them. Nevertheless, this tomb is in poor condition. All of the capstones are either missing or out of place and it would be easy to assume that you were looking at a random pile of stones. In fact the owner of the land was unaware that there was a tomb on his land and pointed me off towards a natural rock outcrop on his land. It just happened that I passed the stones and recognised them for what they were. The double walling remains on one side and this gives the tomb away. I wish I had seen the farmer after seeing the tomb to I could tell him where it was but he was gone. I will pop back when in the area to make sure he hasn’t mistakenly removed them. A septal stone also remains and the tomb is about 2.5m in length. In its day this would have been an impressive tomb. Still worth a visit if you are in the area.

Difficulty – This tomb is exactly where it says it is on the map and is just inside a field gate. However, the roads are narrow and the drive through the slate quarries can be a little hair-raising. The road up to the field is little more than a track and unless you have a four wheeled drive I would recommend parking and walking.

For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.
For more Neolithic tombs, click here.

The tomb as you approach from the field gate. It is fairly close to the track next to the field.

Stunning views from this tomb.

Looking into the collapsed chamber.

The double walling which is distinctive to wedge tombs.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Coolbaun, Standing Stones, 'The Graves of the Leinstermen,' Co. Tipperary.

2011-12-31T11:41:00.000Z

Location – On Tountinna Hill in the Arra Mountains near Killaloe and Ballina and overlooking Lough Derg.
OS: R 732 779 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 23' 53.72" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 3.64" N
GPS: R 73173 77855 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This has to the place with the most impressive name and the most unimpressive remains in Ireland. Driving towards this site, situated in the Arra mountains, you are bombarded with large brown signs with ‘The Graves of Leinstermen’ in big block letters. When you arrive at the location you are then left with a game of hunt the standing stones. There is nothing to indicate where they actually are. I assumed that they were in the field below me which was open and full of glacial debris. Up the mountain (Tountinna) is full of gorse and nearly impassable yet, that is where the stones are. Walking along the road in desperation I found a small opening in the gorse which looked well trodden. This led to an opening in which was a small, 1m high, standing stone. This is the Graves of the Leinstermen. There are several smaller stones located around but many of these are overgrown. The build up is really not worth the return and the best thing about this site is the stunning views of Lough Derg nearby.

There is an interesting Legend about the name of this site. The King of Leinster was to attend a wedding in Limerick and had to cross enemy territory to get there. Allied with Vikings and with a contingent of men they crossed Toutinna to avoid detection. They were, however, found and slaughtered on the hillside and buried under the stones.

Difficulty – It’s high up but easy to drive to but actually trying to find the stones can be a little tricky.

For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Ballycowan Castle, Co. Offaly.

2011-11-19T18:23:00.000Z

Location – Along the Grand Canal just outside of Tullamore to the West.
OS: N 295 252 (map 48)
Longitude: 7° 33' 29.61" W
Latitude: 53° 16' 33.84" N
GPS: N 29467 25171 (Accuracy – 8m)

Description and History – This castle is an absolute gem. I had a lot of fun exploring what this castle had to offer and I don’t think I saw it all. It is somewhere that often comes to mind and I want to go back and explore it again. This castle is situated in the banks of the Grand Canal although it predates it. It was built in 1589 as a fortified house by Thomas Morres on the site of a former O’Molloy castle called Baile-mhic-Abhainn which was destroyed by fire in 1557. The five storey tower of the castle was built in 1626 by Sir Jasper Herbert and his wife Lady Jane Finglas. The land was granted to Herbert during plantations. The castle remained in the Herbert family until 1666 when it passed into the hands of the Earl of Mountrath. Possibly surrounded by a bawn wall the SW portions of this castle are now missing and a certain amount of rubble still remains at the site. The ground floor is partially underground and consists of four barrel vaulted chambers which functioned as kitchens and storerooms. It was in here that I had the most fun. Where a large chunk of wall had collapsed it has punctured a hole into one of these chambers. I climbed inside and had a look around the dark chambers. Considering these chambers have taken severe blows from falling walls they cannot be too stable but I took the risk. I couldn’t access all the chambers as some were blocked off.

A very interesting aspect of this castle is its chimneys. There are six visible chimney stacks. Three are bunched together, two sit together and one sits on its own. These are visible from quite a distance and led to the castle being nicknamed the 3-2-1 after its chimneys and it became a meeting point along the canal.

Difficulty – I was a bit confused about access here. There is a stile into the field with the castle, yet part of it is clearly in the grounds of a farmhouse. I tried to ask permission so nobody was home so I only looked at the part of the castle that was in the adjacent field.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

Fireplace, halfway up one of the internal walls.

The wonderful chinmeys.

The 3-2-1.

Machicolation.

The coat of arms is still intact and this is very rare.

Inside the tower.

Section of now destroyed wall.

This fallen section of wall has broken its way into the vaults underneath.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Kilbride, Church, Co. Offaly.

2011-09-29T19:24:00.002+01:00

Location – Along the banks of the canal, W of Tullamore.
OS: N 304 253 (map 48)
Longitude: 7° 32' 36.66" W
Latitude: 53° 16' 39.11" N
GPS: N 30447 25340 (Accuracy – 6m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There is little left of this canal side church but it boasts a long history. A church was originally located here in the 8th century when Irish monks were establishing many communities in the area. The present structure is late medieval and may not have had a long period of usage as the Penal Laws brought an end to Catholic worship here as it did to many other churches throughout Ireland. The present church is badly ruined and measures 16m x 7.5m. The E and W walls survive to full height but the N wall has collapsed in recent years destroying very fine Latin inscribed gravestone underneath it. The graveyard contains some very nice gravestones.

Difficulty – Easy to find on the canal side. Ample parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

Recently collapsed section of wall.

I think this portion of wall will collapse soon.

There are some lovely late medieval grave stones here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Castletown, Church, Co. Tipperary.

2011-09-14T10:34:00.000+01:00

Location – Near the shores of Lough Derg, near Castletown fortified house. Not listed on the OS map.
OS: R 735 815 (map 59)

Longitude: 8° 23' 37.31" W
Latitude: 52° 53' 1.62" N
GPS: R 73481 81458 (Accuracy – 10m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – As with the nearby castle, it was the end of the day when we arrived here by accident and a grave was being dug at the time we were there so we decided to leave them to it and not disturb them. This is a small late medieval church in surprisingly good repair. Most churches that I visit from this era are just walls covered in ivy. This has had some restoration work done to it and is easily accessible. The church is listed in the Royal Book of Visitations and lists a Daniel Kennedy as the vicar in the 17th century, although when in the century I don’t know. This is a lovely little ruin and very well kept.

Difficulty – Not listed on the OS map. Ample parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Castletown, Fortified House, Co. Tipperary.

2011-09-12T16:29:00.001+01:00

Location – On the shore of Lough Derg, this site is not marked on the OS maps.
OS: R 734 816 (map 59)

Longitude: 8° 23' 41.19" W
Latitude: 52° 53' 4.55" N
GPS: R 73428 81591 (Accuracy 8m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a site that I will definitely have to revisit. It was at the end of a long day and I didn’t even know that this place existed. We were driving back from a day visiting other sites in the area and we saw this as we drove past. The light was fading so we didn’t have time to have a closer look. This is a three storey rectangular fortified house with a ruined entrance. I could find no details of its history.

Difficulty – Follow the co-ordinates as this is not marked on the map. There is ample place to stop and park. Permission is necessary as this is in someone’s front garden.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Clonaslee, Cross Slabs, Co. Laois.

2011-08-08T12:46:00.003+01:00

Location – In Clonaslee, N of the Slieve Bloom Mountains on the R422 in the grounds of the RC church.
OS: N 318 112 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 31' 28.71" W
Latitude: 53° 9' 1.4" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – These two cross slabs are somewhat disappointing. I have no doubt that they were once spectacular and a clear rival to those cross slabs at Clonenagh, also in Laois. However, they are severely damaged. The damage does not obscure them completely but their poor location does. They have been located against a white washed wall outside a modern church and are set in concrete and tarmac and form part of a parking space. I do not know how much damage is being done to these slabs with car doors slamming into them every day of the week. They are rectangular in shape and are sandstone with simple cross inscribed designs. There was a third slab but this has now been lost. If you have an interest in cross slabs go and see these before it is too late.

Difficulty – There are a couple of churches in Clonaslee so it took me a while to locate them. Plenty of parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Duckett's Grove Castle, Rainstown, Co. Carlow.

2011-07-19T11:47:00.004+01:00

Location – Just off the R418 E of Carlow town and S of Castledermot.
OS: S 800 790 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 48' 43.99" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 21.7" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Duckett’s Grove is probably the most recent site that I have on this website as it only dates to 1830. It is, however, a spectacular ruin that dominates the North Carlow landscape. The castle was designed by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett in the Castellated Gothic revival style. It is almost fairy like in its appearance with many turrets and towers reaching up towards the sky. The walls of the castle are covered in little niches with many statues (many still in situ) filling them up. The Ducketts did not live there for very long and by 1921 the castle was in the care of an agent and then by local farmers until it was destroyed by fire in 1933. Although now gutted it could be possible restored to its former glory. It was used as an IRA training camp during the 1920’s. The formal gardens have been restored in recent years and are now open to the public. It is not possible to get into the ruins themselves but the Abandoned Ireland website contains pictures of the interior. I would like to get inside myself some day. This is well worth a visit and the grounds very suitable to families.

Difficulty – Easy with good parking.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Carlow, click here.

A gate in the outer wall.

The building is covered with figures such as this.

A fireplace on the first floor.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Carlow Castle, Co. Carlow.

2011-07-13T11:43:00.001+01:00

Location – In the centre of Carlow town.
OS: S 718 767 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 56' 4.01" W
Latitude: 52° 50' 11.46" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Carlow castle is an early 13th century Norman castle and is one of the oldest stone castles in Ireland and was built during the first wave of Normal invaders. It was probably built by William Marshall who succeeded Strongbow as the Earl of Pembroke. It later passed into the hands of Roger Bigod the Earl of Norfolk. In the 19th century the castle was owned by a man called Dr. Middleton who blew up large portions of the castle to clear space for a lunatic asylum, which is now destroyed also. All that remains today is the W wall and two circular towers. There is a ruined entrance on this wall with crenallation at the top. The towers have a significant base batter. As nice as this ruin is, it is now bunched in with modern buildings and it is hard to get a sense of the castle as it once was. It is even hard to get a good view of the remaining wall; such is the proximity of the surrounding buildings. It now has a garden feature feel to it.

Difficulty – Easy with ample parking.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Carlow, click here.

Note the base batter.

Looking into one of the towers.

I would love to get up into those little hidden passages and explore.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

The Roscrea Pillar, Co. Tipperary.

2011-07-11T18:57:00.001+01:00

Location – In the Blackmills Museum next to the round tower in Roscrea.
OS: S 136 895 (map 60)
Longitude: 7° 47' 51.41" W
Latitude: 52° 57' 22.17" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – I have been trying to see this for years! The Archaeological Inventory for North Tipperary lists this as being on the outside wall of St. Cronan’s RC church nearby. Since the publication of that book it has been moved for safekeeping to this little museum. I walked around St. Cronan’s many times looking for something that was no longer there. Eventually I found out it had been moved but every time I visited the museum it was either closed for lunch or closed for winter. Now, the museum is only open on request so I went to the castle and put in my request and finally got inside to see it. I was not disappointed. Before it was moved here and before it was at St. Cronan’s it was at Timoney Park, SE of the town. It is likely to have been made at Monaincha Abbey but this is not certain. The purpose of the pillar is unknown. It is hollow and has one side missing as it may have been used as a trough for some time. This is not its original purpose. It may have been a relic box of some description, but the orientation of the carvings indicate that the long axis is vertical as opposed to the horizontal in most relic boxes. The box is carved with interlace patterns and animals including one which resembles an elephant. Considering this carving is dated to the 8th century it shows that there may have been contact between the Irish church and the church in Africa. This seems all the more likely after recent archaeological discoveries such as the Fadden More Psalter show that Irish monks did indeed travel to Africa and back or at least had close contact with them. The box measures about 1m high and 0.4 m wide. It seems bigger when you see it up close. There are also two cross-slabs in the museum from the church across the road.

Difficulty – Easy. You have to go to the castle to ask for the museum to be opened. The original high cross is also in this small museum.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

The light was very bright in the museum and not great for taking photographs.

Geometric designs on the pillar.

The elephant design.

Horse design.

One of the cross slabs.

The other cross slab.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Carrowmore, Megalithic Cemetery, Co. Sligo.

2011-06-15T12:22:00.000+01:00

Location – Not far from the R292 between the hill of Knocknarae and Sligo town. There is a small visitors centre and car parking facilities.
OS: G 662 337 (map 25)
Longitude: 8° 31' 8.81" W
Latitude: 54° 15' 2.27" N
GPS: G 66167 33664 (Accuracy – 5m) Readings all taken at carpark. All tombs are numbered. I will provide more detailed reading for each tomb when I return to the site. For now you will have to find your own way and that is half the fun. If the visitors centre is open they can provide you with maps.
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There are over 30 tombs remaining at Carrowmore today and I have 20 of them covered here and I intend to hopefully get to them all one day but there are access issues regarding some tombs and they cannot be reached due to being on private land where access is not allowed. Carrowmore is one of the four major megalithic tomb cemeteries in Ireland. The other three are Carrowkeel, also in Sligo, and the Boyne Valley and Loughcrew, both in Meath. Each of these cemeteries is distinctive and Carrowmore is no exception as the cemetery lies in the shadow of the massive Knocknarae which dominates the landscape with Queen Maeve’s Cairn placed on top.

The date of this cemetery is somewhat controversial with some radio carbon dates being at around 5400BC which was seen by some as too early as this was before the supposed advent of agriculture in Ireland. Other tests have provided more realistic dates of 3600BC. These dates are still some of the earliest in Ireland and in Europe. This site may represent the beginning of Neolithic tomb building in Europe. Although these sites are called tombs there is some debate as to whether this was their only function as these tombs were re-used by later Bronze and Iron Age peoples. It is possible that there was some other ritual or cultural uses to these sites of which being tombs was only one function.

Also the classification of some of these tombs is also an issue. While some look like stone circles they are actually the remains of passage tombs of which the passages are now missing. Also, some look like portal tombs but are actually small passage tombs or a hybrid of the two. There are crossovers between the various types of tombs found in Ireland and Carrowmore contains come of these tombs. This is one of Ireland’s most amazing places. Click below to read about individual tombs.

Tomb 1
Tomb 2
Tomb 4
Tomb 5
Tomb 7
Tomb 13
Tomb 15
Tomb 19
Tomb 22
Tomb 26
Tomb 27
Tomb 51
Tomb 52
Tomb 53
Tomb 54
Tomb 55
Tomb 56
Tomb 57
Tomb 58
Tomb 59

Difficulty – Carrowmore is not difficult to visit. It is largely flat with good access. It is, however, time consuming, so be prepared to spend a few hours here to see everything properly.

For more neolithic tombs, click here.
For more sites in Co. Sligo, click here.

St. Molua's Trough, Ballinla, Co. Laois.

2011-05-24T21:31:00.000+01:00

Location – In the grounds of Ballaghmore church to the right of the main entrance.
OS: S 207 899 (map 60)
More detailed co-ordinates to follow.

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This trough was originally located at Old Kyle Cemetery under a now missing rag tree. It is unsure entirely what this originally was. The trough measures roughly 1m by 0.5m and is 0.4m deep and is missing a lid although it does appear as if there was originally one as the stone is lipped to accommodate a lid. There is no water outlet for this trough so it is unlikely that it ever actually served as a trough at all. It is more likely that it was some kind of relic box belonging to the nearby church foundation. However, if it did ever belong to St. Molua there is no real evidence beyond the name of the trough.

Difficulty – Easy to find with plenty of parking next to the church.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Garrykennedy, Tower House, Co. Tipperary.

2011-04-30T20:23:00.001+01:00

Location – Near the R494 on the shore of Lough Derg.
OS: R 768 839 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 20' 42.07" W
Latitude: 52° 54' 18.55" N
GPS: R 76788 83861 (Accuracy - 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a very picturesque tower house on the shores of Lough Derg right next to a small harbour that was built from the rubble of the castle. This has resulted in only a small portion of the castle being preserved. Luckily some conservation work has been carried out on the ruin and it is unlikely to deteriorate further. Little is really known about this castle and it is estimated that it was built between 1450 and 1600 which is a very vague range of dates as most tower houses date to somewhere in this period. It appears to have had a very short life and was a ruin by 1656 when it was described in the Civil Survey as “the demolished Castle of Castlegare.” Daniel O’Brien is the proprietor of this time indicating that this was originally an O’Brien castle. It was later known as Slanger Castle. A mural passage can be seen in the remaining wall as can the lower portions of a barrel vault. The remains of a small fireplace or oven can be seen on the ground floor. This is well worth the trip even thought there is little to see as the surrounding area is fantastic.

Difficulty – Easy to park and get to. There is open access.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

The mural passage.

The possible fireplace.

The remains of a barrel vault.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Killinane Church, Closutton, Co. Carlow.

2011-03-29T09:56:00.000+01:00

Location – On the N9 between Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown.
OS: S 687 633 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 58' 59.72" W
Latitude: 52° 42' 59.45" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There is very little to say about this ruin because all that remains are some much altered walls that stand to about a quarter of their original height. The work that has been done has made this place devoid of any character. The main concern in this work seems to have been tidiness as opposed to any historical or architectural concern. The remains consist of a nave and chancel measuring 14m x 6.5m. The W wall is now completely missing. The wall between the nave and chancel still remains and the original entrance is missing. No remains of any doorways survive. The E wall is now home to a large shrine.

Difficulty – Easy to find with limited parking. This is a very busy road so be careful.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Carlow, click here.

Dromineer, Hall/Tower House, Co. Tipperary.

2011-03-14T08:55:00.000Z

Location – On the R495 in the town of Dromineer on the shores of Lough Derg.
OS: R 814 861 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 16' 36.07" W
Latitude: 52° 55' 32.11" N
GPS: R 81394 86115 (Accuracy - 6m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is quite an unusual castle in that it is a 13th century hall house that was later converted into a tower house in the 15th/16th century. It was built by followers of Thomas Butler in the 13th century and by 1299 the Cantwells were tenants as Thomas Cantwell is listed as paying tax on the castle. The castle then fell into Gaelic hands and the Ormond O’Kennedys were responsible for the remodelling of the castle. In 1582 the Butler Earls of Ormond re-captured the castle and the Cantwells once again became tenants until 1640 at least. In the Civil Survey of 1654-6 the castle was describes as the ‘Mannor of Dromineer &c appertaineth a Courte Leete & Courte Barron with all the Rights privileges & immunities belonging to a mannor. Uppon the sd lands stands an old castle six thatch houses and fowerteene cottages.’ The proprietor of the castle in 1640 is John Cantwell of Cantwells Court in Kilkenny. In 1650 the castle was seized by Cromwellian forces and garrisoned. It was returned the Earl of Ormond following the occupation by Cromwell. The castle fell into ruin in the late 17th century and was sold by the Earl of Ormond in the late 19th century.

The hall house was originally only two storeys high but two storeys were later added and vaults added to the ground floor. The conversion has resulted in an unusual rectangular shape to the castle which is 11m x 15m. A base batter is present and can be attributed to the earlier structure and many of the windows were modified during the conversion from hall to tower house. There are other architectural features that I was unable to see as it is not possible to get into the castle as access is through a private garden. There is also heavy ivy growth on the castle which makes seeing certain features difficult. A bawn wall also surrounds the castle in places. This is a lovely castle in a lovely location right on the shore of the lough.

Difficulty – Easy to find and plenty of parking.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

Unfortunately most the castle is in a private garden so you can only walk around one side of the ruin.

Trying to glimpse inside the castle.

There is a castle under there somewhere.

Looking up at the chimney.

The chimney is looking somewhat precarious these days and is home to birds.

I suspect that a partial collapse of the castle is not far away.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

The Labby Rock, Carrickglass, Portal Tomb, Co. Sligo.

2011-03-09T11:20:00.000Z

Location – To the East of Lough Arrow behind the Cromlech Lodge hotel. Follow the path through the pine plantation at the rear and across the opening. The tomb is located at the base of a small dip in the landscape.
OS: G 796 158 (map 25)
Longitude: 8° 18' 42.48" W
Latitude: 54° 5' 27.02" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a very impressive portal tomb and is the only one I have seen so far with a capstone that rivals Browne’s Hill in Co. Carlow. It is immense and the capstone looks like it is taller than the portal stones. However, as impressive as this portal tomb is I don’t think it is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I am definitely in the minority in saying that but I prefer the more rounded portal tombs found in the midlands. The huge capstone rest on two front portal stones and three stones at the rear forming a small chamber. A door stone is set back from the portal stones. The large capstone may have been in situ and built around. It is also situated in a small valley which draws your eye to the tomb. It would be interesting to see how this tomb fit into the larger landscape but the pine plantation obscures most of the view. This is a must see for anyone who loves portal tombs and is one of the finest in Ireland.

Difficulty – It is a little tricky to find and there is a wall to clamber over but apart from that this is handy enough.

For more Neolithic tombs, click here.
For more sites in Co. Sligo, click here.

The tomb as it first appears to you as you approach. Note how it has been placed at the base of a small dip in the landscape.

The size of the capstone is immense.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Moytirra East, Court Tomb, Co. Sligo.

2011-03-07T21:31:00.000Z

Location – About 2km E of Lough Arrow near Castlebaldwin and Carrowkeel.
OS: G 815 141 (map 25 and 26)
Longitude: 8° 16' 58.83" W
Latitude: 54° 4' 32.77" N
GPS: G 81477 14115 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This court tomb isn’t the largest I have seen and is quite ruined but you can still make out the shape and this is a very nice tomb to visit. Many stones are now missing from the outer court and it now forms a semi-circle while it was originally circular. The long and thin gallery is divided, by jamb stones, into many chambers. This is a good tomb to look at to see the overall layout of a court tomb because you can see the whole thing quite easily. None of the stones are much above 1m high. Of course this tomb is part of a much larger Neolithic landscape with other tombs nearby and not far from Carrowkeel. This is well worth a visit, although it is very overgrown at the moment.

Difficulty – This is easy to get to and is on private land but access has been made to the tomb and there is a gate.

For more Neolithic tombs, click here.
For more sites in Co. Sligo, click here.

Looking from the court into the chambers. I am very unhappy with these photos and want to go back and get some better shots.

As you can see the tomb is very overgrown.

The entrance to the gallery.

The gallery.

Looking into the gallery.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Monsea, Chruch, Co. Tipperary.

2011-03-02T10:45:00.000Z

Location – Near the R495 between Nenagh and Dromineer.
OS: R 831 818 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 15' 3.93" W
Latitude: 52° 53' 12.72" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Although there is nothing unique about this church I like it because it is well looked after. I have been to so many churches that are just covered in ivy and left to ruin that to see one that is so well maintained is an absolute joy. The remains are of a late medieval church about 9m x 20m. There has been a later restoration which has stabilised the remains. The E gable survives to full height while the W gable survives to about 3m. There is a gap in the N wall and the door in the S wall is partially ruined. The triple window in the E wall is in very good condition and makes this a very attractive ruin.

Difficulty – Easy enough to find and there is ample parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

The outside of the E gable.

Inside the E gable.

There are some lovely old graveslabs in this church yard.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Ballindoon Friary, Co. Sligo.

2011-02-11T09:32:00.000Z

Location – Near the Heapstown Crossroads on the banks of Lough Arrow.
OS: G 789 149 (map 25)
Longitude: 8° 19' 21.44" W
Latitude: 54° 4' 58.16" N
GPS: G 78888 14911 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a fantastic ruin and in such an amazing location right on the banks of Lough Arrow. The friary belonged to the Dominicans and was founded by Thomas O’Farrell in 1507. He was murdered 20 years later. The life of this friary was short-lived, however, and after the dissolution it quickly fell into ruin and changed hands many times. The church is quite simple in design and is rectangular with a small transept. The central arches dividing the nave from the chancel is unique in Ireland as it is the country’s only surviving example. The arches have three barrel vaults underneath and this level above can still be reached but it is only for the brave as many of the steps are missing and there is nothing to stop you falling off. This is a great ruin and well worth the visit.

Difficulty – East to find and get around.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Sligo, click here.

The friary from the road.

The unique screen division between the nave and the chancel.

The steps to the upper floor.

There are some lovely old gravestones here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Heapstown, Cairn, Co. Sligo.

2011-02-09T10:11:00.000Z

Location – Near Heapstown Crossroads, North of Lough Arrow and NE of Castlebaldwin.
OS: G 773 162 (map 25)
Longitude: 8° 20' 51.51" W
Latitude: 54° 5' 40.25" N
GPS: G 77257 16220 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – We visited this cairn just as the light was beginning to dim so I am not pleased with my pictures and many came out blurred. I intend to go back here at some point to get some better shots. This cairn is absolutely massive and one of the largest, if not the largest, I have ever visited. The amazing thing about it is that it is a lot smaller than it used to be as much of the cairn has been robbed of its stone in the past two hundred years. In 1837 it stood to full height and had a standing stone on top which is now missing. Today it is about 80m in diameter and about 10m high. There is a kerb of massive stones around the edge and one of these may have some decoration on it, although it was hard to tell in the light. There may be more but some of the kerb is hidden in undergrowth. There is likely to be a passage tomb under this great mound, especially considering the many other passage tombs in the area and its proximity to Carrowkeel. This is a little visited site but yet is very accessible.

Difficulty – East to get to and get around.

For more cairns, click here.
For more sites in Co. Sligo, click here.

Even as you approach this cairn it's size strikes you right away.

The kerb is starting to become overgrown in places.

Possible rock art on one of the kerbs. It shows up here as three vertical lines.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Mungret, Churches and Bullaun Stone, Co. Limerick.

2011-02-07T13:08:00.000Z

Location – In Mungret village about 2km West of Limerick City. Individual co-ordinates will be given on individual site pages.

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This cluster of churches is what remains of an early Christian foundation, founded by St. Nessan. What remains are the ruins of two churches and an abbey. I also found a bullaun stone here that seems to have been un-noticed thus far. There is also a holy well here that I missed on my first visit but I will go back to look at this in the future. At its height there were 6 churches here and 1500 monks. The site was plundered three times by the Vikings in the 9th century and by the local chief Murtagh O’Brien in 1107. The site was granted to the Bishop of Limerick, Brictius, by the King of Munster, Donal Mór O'Brien in 1179. From the 12 century onwards the abbey became of the order of Augustinians.

Mungret was known as a seat of learning and one story relates how Mungret was challenged by Lismore in Co. Waterford to see who had the most learned monks. The Mungret monks decided to try and get the upper hand on the Lismore monks and dressed up as washerwoman on the day of the contest and waited by the river for the Lismore monks to arrive. When the monks crossed the river they asked the disguised monks for directions and one gave the answer in perfect Latin and other in perfect Greek. The Lismore monks decided that even if the washer women were fluent in ancient languages that they would have no chance against the more educated monks. They left and did not challenge the monks.

Click below for individual sites within this complex:
The Old Church.
St. Nessan’s Church.
The Abbey and Bullaun Stone.

Difficulty – Easy enough to find although the graveyard around the Abbey is very uneven underfoot.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Sleaty, Church and Crosses, Co. Laois.

2011-01-25T21:15:00.000Z

Location – A few km north of Carlow town on the banks of the River Barrow.
OS: S 713 791 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 56' 27.43" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 27.83" N
GPS: S 71327 79054 (Accuracy – 7m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – The remains at Sleaty appear to be nothing out of the ordinary apart from the two early Christian crosses which betray its importance as the former residence of the Bishop of Leinster. This is a very early Christian foundation, of which only the two crosses remain. Associated with St. Fiacc the church is medieval in date, although some of the larger stones used in its construction may come from the earlier foundation. Large boulders were common in early Christian construction. The original monastery was on the other side of the river but when 60 monks died at the site (how I don’t know) it was moved to its present location. Aodh lived here in the 7th century who was one of the first biographers of St. Patrick. The last historical reference to the site is from 1055, after which the site lost importance.

The medieval church is largely ruined and a stone font (date unknown) sits inside. The smaller of the two crosses from the earlier foundation is roughly 1.5m high and is decorated with a rough ringed cross. It is badly eroded and barely visible now. The second cross is 2.8m high and is undecorated. I had seen photographs of this cross before and you can’t really appreciate its size until you see it for yourself.
This is a nice little site and well worth the trip.

Difficulty – Easy enough to get around but it is set back from the road and easy to drive by without seeing. There is no parking here.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

The churchyard from the roadway.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

The Clonfinlough Stone, Rock Art, Co. Offaly.

2011-01-21T10:36:00.001Z

Location – A few miles East of Clonmacnoise on Esker Hill.
OS: N 042 296 (map 47)
Longitude: 7° 56' 13.37" W
Latitude: 53° 19' 1.53" N
GPS: N04195 29647 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This rock art needs a bit of time to look at. When I got here I just couldn’t make sense of what I was seeing and it took some time to allow my brain to make sense of all the patterns and depressions in the stone. This is a large glacial boulder that has been decorated with various designs. There are cup marks indicating a Bronze Age date but yet there are some clear cross shapes which suggest a Christian hand in the making. Could this be a multi-period site? Maybe early Christians found this rock and decided to Christianize it. I’m just speculating but it is a possibility. Among the cup marks and the cross shapes is a shoe print. This is very unusual and I can’t quite make sense of it. Why a shoe print? How old is this design? It has been argued that many of the designs on the rock are natural but have been enhanced at some point by a human hand. Needless to say this is an unusual and interesting site and worth having a look at.

Difficulty – This rock is signposted from the road and there is a path up to it. There is room for one or two cars on the side of the road.

For more rock art, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

Cup marks.

One of the many cross designs.

The shoe print.

Some has carved their initial onto the stone.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Shrule Castle, Co. Laois.

2011-01-14T10:25:00.000Z

Location – On the banks of the river Barrow a few miles North of Carlow town.
OS: S 713 810 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 56' 26.75" W
Latitude: 52° 52' 32.96"
GPS: S 71310 81067
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This castle looks lovely from the outside but I have added to my list of places I failed to see properly. It is located behind a farmhouse next to farmyard and there was nobody in when I called in so I couldn’t get access to what appears to be a rather intact castle. It was built by Robert Hartpole in the reign of Queen Elizabeth but little else is known of the castle. Internally the floors are intact (which I have yet to see for myself) and there is still a lot of plaster on the walls and many finely carved mantle pieces. This is a castle I need to return to, but for now I just have a couple of pictures of the outside.

Difficulty – Easy enough to find but it is next to a farmhouse so permission is necessary.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Clonmacnoise Castle, Co. Offaly.

2011-01-11T12:17:00.001Z

Location – On the banks of the Shannon and beside the main Clonmacnoise ecclesiastical site.
OS: N 007 306 (map 47)
Longitude: 7° 59' 22.18" W
Latitude: 53° 19' 32.42" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This castle is a true gem and one of the finest in Ireland for its sheer distinctiveness. The castle is very ruined and very dangerous but it is instantly recognisable perched on a large D shaped earthwork. The castle dates to the early 13th century and the earliest record in the historical record is from 1215 when Ralph de Derevaus and Walter Reboth were requested to deliver the castle over to Geoffrey de Mariscis. Originally the castle was three storeys high with a courtyard area within the earthwork enclosure. A draw bridge would have originally been used to connect it to the land. Garderobes and other features survive but none later than 1300 when the castle was abandoned during the Gaelic resurgence in the area. The purpose of the castle was to protect the Shannon and bridge that was at this point.

Unfortunately the castle is now precariously perched and quite dangerous. I can definitely imagine a time in the near future when large pieces of this castle will fall away into the river and into the ditch. There is a fence around it for good reason so resist the urge to go climbing on the castle. I nearly gave in but was talked out of it. This is a great castle to visit and very individual.

Difficulty – Easy to spot and find but not really accessible to walk around.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

As you can see parts of the castle are leaning precariously.

Bits of wall have slowly been falling into the ditch below.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Carrowkeel, Megalithic Cemetery, Co. Sligo.

2011-01-07T12:20:00.001Z

Location – Just outside the small village of Castlebaldwin.
Accurate GPS readings will be given for each tomb on their own pages.

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Carrowkeel is one of the four main megalithic cemetery sites in Ireland. The other three are Carrowmore (also in Sligo), the Boyne Valley and Loughcrew (both in Meath). I have been to three of these sites and Carrowkeel is by far my favourite. Many of the tombs are complete and because of their remote and hard to get to location they are largely undisturbed. In fact in some of the tombs fragments of human bone can still be seen. This really is a special site and one that I will go back to again and again as I only saw a small number of the tombs on my visit.

Tombs here predate the pyramids and are roughly 5500 years old. The style of the tombs is very basic with no decoration and simple passage and chamber tombs. The more polished style of the Boyne Valley cannot be found here which suggests to me that these tombs are early in the development of Irish passage tomb building. In a similar fashion to Newgrange some of these tombs contain lightboxes which are aligned to important dates in the calendar. Many tombs are aligned with the summer solstice sunset.

When you go here do not climb onto the cairns or move the stones. The reason they have remained for to see it precisely because people have left them alone. The more people climb on them the quicker they will be destroyed. Also don’t leave rubbish on the mountain or in the tombs. I came out of one tomb with pocked of rubbish that people had left inside. It seems to be popular to light candles in the tombs and some of the stones have a lot of wax on them. This is not good for the stones and can’t be removed easily. Leave the tombs as you found them taking only the rubbish that thoughtless people have left behind.

Difficulty – This one is a little tricky. There is a path which winds its way along the side of the mountain to the top. You can bring a four wheel drive up there but if you do not have one then I would recommend parking at the bottom and walking up. The mountain is covered in blanket bog meaning that you will need wellingtons and you can easily find yourself knee deep in mud so watch your step. There are lots of stones hidden in the undergrowth so you will need to be careful and vigilant.

Click below for individual sites:

Cist tomb

Cairn G
Cairn H
Cairn K

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Craddockstown West, Standing Stone, Co. Kildare.

2010-12-26T13:18:00.000Z

Location – Opposite Punchestown racecourse in a large crop field. It is only about half a mile from the Long Stone. They would be visible from each other if it wasn’t for the trees.
OS: N 912 163 (map 55)
Longitude 6° 38' 7.59" W
Latitude 53° 11' 21.67" N
I do have GPS co-ordinates for this site that I will post up soon. I left them in a book that I don’t have access to at the moment!
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This stone is somewhat smaller than its sister stone (The Long Stone) but still stands to a height of 4m. This stone is somewhat leaning now unfortunately but yet I prefer it to the Long Stone as there is no ugly wooden fence built around. It is amazing that this stone has been left alone considering its closeness to the tallest stone in Ireland. It just goes to show that if there isn’t something special about it, it gets ignored. However, I think this stone is particularly special. It is dotted with bits of quartz and the grain of the stone played tricks on my mind and I kept thinking I could see shapes on the stone out of the corner of my mind. This stone is well worth the visit.

Difficulty – Like the Long Stone this can be tricky to get to as there is no obvious entrance to the field. There is a small bank next to the road, free from bushes that I climbed over and walked up the steady hill to the stone. This is a crop field so don’t damage crops and go either when the field is not being used or take care to walk along the tractor marks.

For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites in Co. Kildare, click here.

Glimpsing the stone over the hedge.

As you approach the stone it sits on the crest of the hill.

The stone is full of interesting bits of quartz.

Just try and tell me that this isn't a phallic symbol!

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

The Long Stone, Punchestown, Co. Kildare.

2010-12-23T16:40:00.000Z

Location – Very close to Punchestown racecourse. It can be seen close to the road poking over the hedge rows. However, although you can visit this monument and it is signposted there is no clear access. I scrambled through the hedge and climbed the fence.

OS: N 917 165 (map 55)
Longitude 6° 37' 38.37" W
Latitude 53° 11' 29.04" N
GPS: N 91739 16540 (Accuracy: 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There is only one word for this stone and that is impressive. It is the largest standing stone in Ireland and stands at 5.5m tall which is shorter than its full height of 7m tall. It fell in 1933 and was erected the following year at a shorter height to make it more stable. A small cist tomb was found nearby at this time possibly indicating that this stone is a gravemarker. A small wooden fence now stands around it along with the official OPW sign which does detract from the beauty of this stone. In my opinion it should be removed. However, this stone is still extremely impressive and stands like a huge pillar reaching in to the sky.

The stone had roots in Irish mythology and it is said that Fionn MacCumhall threw the stone to its present location from Allen hill. The stone first appears in a historical record in 1183 and is mentioned by Giraldus Cambrensis who took many tours of Ireland.

Difficulty – Easy enough find and see from the road but getting into the field can be a little tricky.

For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites in Co. Kildare, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Clonmacnoise, Ecclesiastical Complex, Co. Offaly.

2010-11-02T18:10:00.009Z

Location – About 4m NE of Shannonbridge, there is plenty of parking and entrance fees are fairly reasonable. There is also a cafe and toilet facilities.

OS: N 009 308 (map 47)
Longitude: 7° 59' 11.37" W
Latitude: 53° 19' 38.88" N
I will give more accurate GPS readings for each site on their individual pages.
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s ecclesiastical gems and must see for anyone with the slightest interest in Ireland’s Christian history. There is so much to see here that I could not possibly fit it onto one page so the individual sites with the complex have been dealt with individually. At the bottom of this page is a list of the sites covered, click on the name to access the individual pages. At present I am lacking pictures of both Temple Ciaran, the remains of Temple Kelly and parts of Temple Finghin as these were both covered with plastic when I was there for restoration purposes. They are now both open again and I will be returning to get more pictures of these sites. There are some smaller features such as bullaun stones of which I am missing pictures. I will try to get to these as well.

It makes sense to give a general history of the site here and history pertaining to the individual sites will be given in their own pages.

The site was founded by St Ciaran in 548AD who was the son of a master craftsman. The name Clonmacnoise (Cluain Mhic Nois) means the meadow of the sons of Nos. The area has a strategic importance on the banks of the River Shannon, which as this point in history and into the later medieval period, was a busy place as the river was important for trade. The site is also located on a major esker ridge-way which was used by people to traverse the boggy landscape. Clonmacnoise, therefore, grew in importance. From the time of St Ciaran’s death onwards the site has attracted many pilgrims. The present remains date from the 10th to the 17th century and there are many earlier cross-slabs and crosses also. The early foundation enjoyed the patronage of the kings of Connacht but it came under the influence of the kings of the Meath in the 11th century before reverting to the kings of Connacht in the 12th century. In 1111 Clonmacnoise was made the cathedral church of West Meath following the Synod of Rathbreasail. Following two centuries of attack at the hands of Irish enemies, the Normans and Vikings the foundation fell into decline from the 13th century onwards and never regained its former importance. A secular college was founded her in 1459 also. English forces ruined all the remaining churches in 1552.

The list is not in any particular order although churches and towers are treated first, followed by the crosses and other features.

Click below for individual sites.

1.    Temple Dowling and Temple Hurpan
2.    Temple Melaghlin
3.    Temple Ciaran
4.    The Cathedral
5.    Temple Finghin and Round Tower
6.    Temple Connor
7.    Temple Kelly.
8.    The Nun’s Church
9.    The Round Tower
10. The Cross of the Scriptures
11. The North Cross
12. The South Cross
13. The Cross-Slabs
14. The Pilgrim’s Way
15. The Wayside Cairn
16. Bullaun Stone

Difficulty – Easy to get to with plenty of facilities.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

In the sun.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Kilrush Church, Limerick City, Co. Limerick.

2010-10-13T12:48:00.002+01:00

Location – This church is in an odd location in Westfields housing estate which is next to the N18. I’d advise using a map for this one. It is, however, located in the conveniently named 'Old Church Road.'

OS: R 557 568 (map 65)

Longitude: 8° 37' 29.23" W

Latitude: 52° 39' 38.76" N

GPS: R 57730 56795 (Accuracy – 5m)

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This church is both wonderful and sad at the same time. In is wonderful in that this is a pre-Norman church that has survived and it is sad in that it is now part of a little green in a housing estate. The world has moved on and left this behind but it still stands in the middle of the modern world. It is so close to some houses that one wall is actually the boundary of someone’s garden. The first mention of this church is in 1201 but the huge building blocks and huge lintel stone betray its earlier and pre-Norman/pre-Romanesque origins. These churches are so rare that it is really wonderful to see one so well preserved. I can’t believe more isn’t made of this church. The window in the S wall has a medieval inscription which was inserted into this church in the early 20th century. The inscription came from a now destroyed nearby Franciscan church. Although it is sad to see it is nothing more than a garden feature now it is well maintained and cared for. However, some stabilisation work has been carried out which leaves a lot to be desired. They essentially propped it up with a brick pillar.

Difficulty – This is difficult to find and isn’t exactly where indicated on the OS map. You will not be able to see it from the main road. You have to go into a little cul-de-sac.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.

For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

It is nestled away in some trees.

The huge stones used to construct this church are typical of pre-Normal churches.

I really don't like the conservation efforts. That supporting pillar is awful.

But then again that wall is leaning forward so something needed to be done.

This is a really simple and lovely doorway.

The later medieval inscription.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Gorraun, Ring-Barrow, Co. Offaly.

2010-10-11T18:39:00.000+01:00

Location – In the foothills of the Slieve Blooms.

OS: S 162 929 (map 54)

Longitude: 7° 45' 31.51" W

Latitude: 52° 59' 11.9" N

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Listed on the current OS map as a mound this is actually a well preserved ring-barrow about 9m wide and 1m high. I couldn’t get closer to it on the day I was passing as there was a lot of flooding between me and the mound so walking to it was impossible. It looks to be well preserved apart from the trees and I will pop back here next time I’m passing and in better weather.

Difficulty – Fairly easy to spot from the road but the area is prone to flooding.

For more barrows, cairns and tumuli, click here.

For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Ballyhogan, Rath and Stone, Co. Tipperary.

2010-10-05T20:38:00.000+01:00

Location – Not far from the N7 in the foothills of the Arra Mountains near Nenagh. Bring your map for this one.
OS: R 798 764 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 17' 59.14" W
Latitude: 52° 50' 19.32" N
GPS: R 79802 76453 (Accuracy - 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This rath is quite large and is nearly 40m in diameter. The entrance is located in the E side of the rath and is 4m wide. The bank and ditch is very overgrown but the interior is clear. Unfortunately there is a lot of rubbish in the fosse and it is full of old fridges and ovens. Apart from that this large rath is very nice and well preserved. The stone is nearly 2m tall and is now recumbent. It was once standing but not in this location and was moved here from nearby. It is known as the longstone.

Difficulty – Really easy to get to. It’s in a roadside field.

For more ringforts, click here.
For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

Panoramic shot of the rath. Click for a larger view.

You can see the stone lying down in front of the rath. The stone was originally near the edge of the field and was pushed to the rath after it fell. They are probably unconnected sites.

The bank rises to about 2m in height in places.

The causewayed entrance.

Part of the bank and fosse. Compared to a lot of raths out there this one is fairly clear.

The causewayed entrance from the inside.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Barbaha, Ring Barrow and Standing Stone, Co. Tipperary.

2010-10-04T15:56:00.000+01:00

Location – In the foothills of the Arra Mountains. Bring your map for this one.
OS: R 782 763 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 19' 21.87" W
Latitude: 52° 50' 16" N
GPS: R 78253 76357 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This site was a little puzzling to me. I first passed this a couple of years ago when I was without an Ordinance Survey map so I could never figure out where it was so I could get back there for another look. By chance a local land-owner contacted me to go and look at a few sites and brought me out to this one. For some reason I had it stuck in my head that this was some kind of wedge or court tomb and I was blinded by the fact that it was a simple ring barrow and standing stone. Nevertheless, this is a nice little monument but does need a little tidying up. The barrow it getting a little overgrown now. It is about 10m in diameter and rises to only 0.5m high. There are also two boulders protruding from the bank and fosse. The standing stone stands about 8m to the E of the barrow and it 1.45m high. Although not a huge stone, it is a lovely shape and your eye is drawn to it.

Difficulty – Pretty easy to get to but there is a lot of electric fences so be careful.

For more barrows, click here.
For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

You can see one of the boulders protruding from the barrow here. They may have been standing once and pushed into the barrow when they fell.

In the centre of the photo you can see the stone row at Carrigeen which is visible from this barrow and stone.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Wells, Church, Co. Carlow.

2010-09-29T20:31:00.000+01:00

Location – Located on the N9 near Bagenalstown. The entrance is through a small gate on the side of the road which can be a little hard to spot. You have to then walk down a track for about 100m. There is parking.
OS: S 682 608 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 59' 23.51" W
Latitude: 52° 41' 40.06" N
GPS: S 68288 60840 (Accuracy: 3m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a nice little ruin that is well looked after. It is still a used graveyard and the church has been conserved somewhat. The present remains consist of a nave and chancel and all of the S and most of the E walls. The N wall has been rebuilt. The bellcote and piscina still survive. There are also small round headed windows in the ruin as well. The graveyard has some very ornate graves which are worth viewing and there is a small undecorated cross that maybe medieval in date but I cannot find any literature on it. Although this church is dated to the later medieval period it was mentioned in the Calendar of Ormond Deeds in 1262. Due to the proximity of the many early Christian foundations in the nearby area I suspect this may be the site of an early Christian foundation also, but this is really speculation.

Difficulty – Easy enough to get to, although the gate is a little tricky to spot. Be careful on this stretch of road as the cars race around here and it is always fairly busy.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Carlow, click here.

The bellcote is still used.

The piscina.

Possible medieval cross.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Duntryleague, Cairn, Co. Limerick.

2010-09-28T20:39:00.000+01:00

Location – Near the Galbally in South Limerick and can be easily reached from either the R663 or the R662. This monument is open to the public although it is a little bit of a climb but too bad. Best to bring your OS map or follow the GPS co-ordinates. There is a small car-park and hand-painted sign to it. Once you get onto the track, just keep going straight. You will cross a small track for forestry vehicles but just keep going up. Eventually you will get to a turning to the right which will take you to the cairn. If you carry on you will end up at the nearby passage tomb.

OS: R 781 283 (map 73)
Longitude: 8° 19' 18.7" W
Latitude: 52° 24' 22.07" N
GPS: R 78098 28328 (Accuracy – 2m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – I have a feeling that if all the brambles and heather were cleared away it would be a nice cairn and I think it also kerbed. I haven’t read anywhere that it is kerbed but there are some larger stones around the edge but it would need some clearing to find this out. The cairn is around 15m in diameter and is about 1m high. There is a clearing in the middle of the cairn and as you will see in the photos below there is a small upright pillar in the middle. Don’t be deceived it is not genuine and just a piece of stone that someone put up recently. It is only about 2 inches into the ground. I probably should have removed it myself but if someone felt the need to climb up there to stand up a piece of stone then I guess it doesn’t do any harm, although maybe this should have been done outside of the cairn so that the person wouldn’t have had to dig into the cairn. This is worth a visit of you are going to the nearby tomb.

Difficulty – It’s a bit of a climb to get up there but it isn’t really too bad.

For more cairns, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

As you can see, it is fairly overgrown.

Is this a kerb stone?

Don't be fooled. It's not real.

You can see why they picked this location. There are some wonderful views.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Duntryleague, Passage Tomb, Co. Limerick.

2010-09-27T08:18:00.001+01:00

Location – Near Galbally in South Limerick and can be easily reached from either the R663 or the R662. This monument is open to the public although it is a little bit of a climb but not too bad. Best to bring your OS map or follow the GPS co-ordinates. There is a small car-park and hand-painted sign to it. Once you get onto the track, just keep going straight. You will cross a small track for forestry vehicles but just keep going up. Eventually you will get to a turning to the right which will take you to the nearby cairn but if you keep going you will cross the top of the hill and see the tomb to your left.

OS: R 779 284 (map 73)
Longitude: 8° 19' 27.02" W
Latitude: 52° 24' 24.35" N
GPS: R 77941 28399 (Accuracy – 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This tomb is spectacular and is well worth the climb which, although not too far, is up all the way with no reprieve so it takes the wind out of you. You approach the tomb from behind it and it looks like a mess but when you get to the front you realise how intact it actually is. The covering cairn is now missing but about 75% of the main passage still has capstones and you can get right inside the main chamber although of you are tall like me you will have to stoop. There are also two side chambers which are a little hard to spot. The first still has a capstone but is too small to get inside and the second is partially buried with no capstone. There are also many stone that would have been part of a facade. I imagine it was quite a sight when it was complete. It is aligned N-S which suggests that it doesn’t have any particular special solar or lunar alignment.

Difficulty – It is a little tricky to find the carpark but easy to find the tomb once you get onto the path. It is an upward climb but not too bad really. There are benches on the way up so you can stop when you want.

For more Neolithic tombs, click here.
For more in Co. Limerick, click here.

As seen from the direction you approach from.

Looking at the front of the tomb.

With me sat in for scale.

Looking down on the passage and façade.

The main chamber.

There are two good sized capstones on this monument.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Hospital, Church, Co. Limerick.

2010-09-08T09:03:00.000+01:00

Location – In Hospital town, on the R513.
OS: R 706 362 (map 65)
Longitude: 8° 25' 57.85" W
Latitude: 52° 28' 35.5" N
GPS: R 70658 36091 (Accuracy: 10m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a very nice and very interesting ruin which feels more like a castle than a church. The church was founded by Geoffrey de Marisco as a commandery of the knights Hospitallers who had owned land around Cathair Aine since 1200. The church was dissolved in 1540 and then leased, along with its contents, to William Apsley and then to the Browne family. When you look at this church you can immediately see that it was built for defence with high walls, prominent base batter and narrow arched windows. A partially destroyed tower sits at the Western end of the church with a partial barrel vault, now a grotto, on the second floor. There may be a barrel vault on the ground floor of the tower also but this was inaccessible. Also in the W wall is a medieval carving of the crucifixion which is not in its original location. There are other architectural fragments set into this wall. On the interior of the E wall are two medieval tombs, both sitting upright and not in their original location. One is a double tomb depicting a knight and his wife which is largely destroyed. The second, and largely intact tomb, may depict the founder of the church, Geoffrey de Marisco. This is a fascinating and singular ruin and well worth visiting.

Difficulty – Easy to get to with ample parking. The ruin is kept locked but the interior can be viewed from the accessible second floor shrine. I suspect the adjacent modern church has the key, but when I was there I couldn’t find anybody to ask. Maybe you will have better luck.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

The West wall.

The tower at the Western wall.

The E wall.

Most of the windows have been partially broken out.

I would love to get in there to have a proper look around.

There's a lot going on here and it's a little hard to make out what it must have been like.

The barrel vault on the first floor that now houses a shrine.

The base batter.

Architectural fragments now placed into the Western wall.

The crucifixion on the W wall.

The remaining top half of the tomb of a knight and his wife.

The tomb of the church founder, Geoffrey de Marisco.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Dungar, Ringwork, Co. Offaly.

2010-09-03T08:45:00.005+01:00

Location – About 3km NE of Roscrea. Get your maps out.
OS: S 157 921 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 45' 58.46" W
Latitude: 52° 58' 46.07" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Difficulty and History – My pictures are hugely inadequate here and I will need to go back here to look properly. I was on my way to see another site where I had an appointment so I didn’t really have time to stop but it looks like a very nice medieval earthwork castle. It is roughly 30m in diameter and the bank rises to 2m. The fosse is wide and shallow and often filled with water. There are traces of a stone wall on the interior and a causewayed entrance can still be seen in the W side of the bank.

Difficulty – Easy to get to and right by the side of the road. It can be tricky to park around here though.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

The Rathcroghan Complex, Co. Roscommon.

2010-08-26T10:43:00.000+01:00

This ancient royal complex is truly immense and has well over 200 archaeological sites in a 4 mile radius and in one day I only got to a handful. The reason for my visit to Rathcroghan was for the Megalithomania.com Megameet. I had met some of the group before but it was great to meet people I had known from the Megalithomania.com forums and bounce around a few ideas. We had a fantastic day and got to see some of the main site of Rathcroghan. Thanks to Tom FourWinds for all his organisation to get everyone together...it must have been like herding cats. Anyway, back to the sites.

Rathcroghan was the seat of the kings of Connacht and home to the legendary Queen Maeve, the nemesis of CuChulainn. All the sites here are re-Norman in date and were built by the Celts who arrived in Ireland around 300BC. This site is comparable with Tara in Co. Meath in size and stature and over time I will get to as many of these sites as possible.

The site is very important in Irish mythology as said above and highly connected to the festival of Samhain (Halloween) when the spirits of the dead and the Irish gods and goddesses are said to roam the earth.

Click below to read and view pictures of the sites.

Rath Cruachan, Mound.
Mileen Meva, Standing Stone.
Misgaun Meva, Standing Stone.
Rathmore, Mound.
Rathbeg, Ring-Barrow.
Rathnadarve, Ring-Barrow.
Oweynagat, Souterrain.
Relignaree, Rath and Souterrain.
Dathi’s Stone and Mound.

Ballycurragh/Glebe, Hillfort, Co. Offaly.

2010-08-22T14:50:00.001+01:00

Location – About 2km E of Leap castle which is on the R421. It is located on a farm.
OS: S 142 989 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 47' 17.78" W
Latitude: 53° 2' 26.22" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a very impressive monument and covers some 14 acres of land. From bank to bank this Iron-Age hillfort is 140m wide. The outer bank is made of earth and stone and is destroyed in the S and parts of the SW portions when a house was built in the 19th century. Damage has been done in recent years but the fort is now a national monument which should ensure that it survives. There is an inner circle which is 50m wide. From above it looks like two concentric circles, almost like an eye. The exact purpose is not known and no excavation has been carried out here. I suspect that the inner ring is a ringfort and therefore a dwelling and the outer ring is part of its defences suggesting that this site was of some importance. The pictures do not do this site justice as it is simply too big to adequately photograph from the ground. Well worth a look.

Difficulty – East to get to and walk around. It is on private land so ask permission. The owner was more than happy to let me wander around...although I did have to help him get a few calves in for the winter. I wasn’t very good at it.

For more hillforts, click here.

For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

As seen from the R421 which sits higher than the fort.

As seen from the top of Leap Castle in the summer when the fort is a little overgrown.

Part of the outer bank.

Looking from the outer bank to the inner ring of the fort.

Looking to the inner ring.

There is a lot of small stones scattered around which were used in the construction of the outer and inner banks.

The entrance to the inner section.

A slightly blurry shot of a well preserved portion of the outer bank.

The space between the outer and inner banks.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Lough Gur, Lime Kiln, Co. Limerick.

2010-08-19T15:25:00.001+01:00

Location – Located near the visitors centre on the shores of Lough Gur. It is signposted.
OS: R 647 413 (map 65)
Longitude: 8° 31' 10.96" W
Latitude: 52° 31' 21.16" N
GPS: R 64728 41359 (Accuracy: 7m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This lime kiln is remarkably intact, although some restoration work seems to have been done on it. Lime kilns were introduced by Elizabethan settlers in the 16th century although examples like this one usually date to the 18th century. It was good to see this example so I could get an idea of what the lime kiln at Srahanboy in Laois looked like. Worth a look if you are at Lough Gur.

Difficulty – Really easy to find and look at.

For more lime kilns, click here.
For more sites around Lough Gur, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

The interior of the kiln.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Grange, Circle D, Co. Limerick.

2010-07-31T11:58:00.001+01:00

Location – This one can be hard to spot. From circle C, walk to the road and the remains of this circle can be seen by the field boundary.
OS: R 633 405 (map 65)
GPS: R (Accuracy: m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Only a loose arc of 9 stones remain of this stone circle and most of these have been just pushed into the field boundary. The stones are much smaller than those of Grange Lios and circle C and this may be why the circle was destroyed because the stones could be easily moved. Based on the present remains is it estimated that the circle was nearly 60m in diameter which would make it larger than the main Grange Lios circle.

Difficulty – Easy enough to get to once you get to circle C, hard to spot if the grass is high.

For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites around Lough Gur, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

Really not much to see here.

These two appear to be the only ones left in situ.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Nurney Church, Co. Kildare.

2010-07-30T10:32:00.001+01:00

Location – In the village of Nurney about 5km S of Kildare town on the R415. Not to be confused with Nurney in Co. Carlow.

OS: N 705 055 (map 55)

Longitude: 6° 56' 51.03" W

Latitude: 53° 5' 44.5" N

GPS: N 70497 05526 (Accuracy: 4m)

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There really is little to say about this ruin. It is yet another example of on ivy covered medieval church in Ireland. I’m starting to think that apart from raths this is the most common ruin in the country. Every town and village seems to have one. All the remains is a portion of the E gable end which has a small slit window. A small portion of the S wall survive and wall footings of the N and W walls. It would have been a very small church about 5m x 3m in measurements. A sad sight.

Difficulty – Easy to get to and plenty of parking. Watch the speed bumps which are not painted and hard to spot. I nearly wrecked my car on them.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.

For more sites in Co. Kildare, click here.

Yet again it is time to play spot the ruin.

Wall footings.

A little bit of wall does poke out here and there.

I managed to crawl in and get this poor and blurry shot of a remaining window.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Bolton Hill, Bullaun Stones, Co. Kildare.

2010-07-27T09:27:00.001+01:00

Location – In the grounds of the Moone High Cross Hotel just next to the N9.
OS: S 780 897 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 50' 20.52" W
Latitude: 52° 57' 10.11" N
GPS: S 78020 89739 (Accuracy: 3m)
Grid references are for the hotel.
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There are four nice bullaun stones here but they are in a bad location and are basically ash trays for the Moone High Cross Inn. One is located by the entrance of the bar and really has been used as an ash tray and has a single depression. The second is located directly across the road by a gate and is a monster with two large depressions in it. These two stones were from the Castledermot area. The other two bullauns are now being used as garden ornaments in a small garden by the side of the hotel. These are smaller, found locally and have a single cup in both. These are a great collection and are just in a bad spot. Maybe the two larger stones should be relocated to Castledermot and the other two can go to be with the Moone High Cross...at least they would be back at ecclesiastical sites.

Difficulty – Pretty easy to find and have a pint while you’re here...if you’re not the driver of course.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Kildare, click here.

This one is by the front door.

It's disgusting how it is being used.

This is a lovely stone...and huge.

Part of a pair now used as garden ornaments.

These two are used as bookends to a bench.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Moone High Cross and Abbey, Co. Kildare.

2010-07-26T12:29:00.001+01:00

Location – NE of the small villiage of Moone. I can’t give great directions to the cross because I got lost and stumbled across it. The current OS map isn’t up to date and the new road makes finding it difficult. Also there were road works in Ballitore which made things worse.
OS: S 789 927 (map 55)
Longitude: 6° 49' 26.89" W
Latitude: 52° 58' 44.93" N
GPS: S 78973 92686 (Accuracy: 5m)

Description and History – This high cross is simply stunning and colossal. It is nearly 5m tall and stands on the site of a 6th century Christian foundation of St Columcille. The cross is very well preserved because it was buried and only rediscovered in the 1850’s minus the shaft. It was re-erected in that state and only stood to a height of 2.5m. The shaft was rediscovered in the 1890’s and attached to the cross. The remains of the Abbey date to around 1800. Dating to the 10th century this cross depicts many biblical scenes including: Adam and Eve, the sacrifice of Isaac, Daniel and the Lions, the children in the furnace, the flight into Egypt and the feeding of the five thousand. There is also the crucifixion and many Celtic patterns. There is a second cross here that survives only in fragments but the carving is fantastic. This cross has less human figures on it but many more patterns and animal designs. This cross would have been quite nice when it was complete but dwarfed by its partner. The two crosses are housed within the 14th century abbey which is having some conservation carried out on it at the moment. It appears to have been much modified in the past two centuries and hopefully the conservation work will restore some of these to their original form. While walking around the graveyard outside I stumbled across a cross base which is undecorated. Does this mean there was another cross at the site? This is well worth going and spending some time at as the cross is really beautiful and it takes a while to take it all in.

Difficulty – Hard to find and there isn’t much space for parking but navigating the site is easy enough.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Kildare, click here.

Pictures don't give a great idea of the scale of the cross.

The 12 disciples on the base of the cross.

The sacrifice of Isaac and Daniel and the lions.

The children in the furnace.

The flight into Egypt and the loaves and the fishes.

Adam and Eve.

Various animals on the shaft.

The crucifixion.

Fragments of the second cross.

The high cross base in the surrounding graveyard.

Part of the abbey. The shed is obviously modern.

Inside the abbey.

The roof was added in recent years to protect the cross.

The doorway has been altered.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Churchtown Church, Castletown, Co. Laois.

2010-07-22T10:07:00.001+01:00

Location – Located in Castletown village in the modern graveyard. Heading towards Dublin on the N7 take the first right into the village and take the immediate right and turn left down a small track which leads to the graveyard.
OS: S 337 914 (map54)
Longitude: 7° 29' 53.17" W
Latitude: 52° 58' 21.02" N
GPS: S 33714 91418 (Accuracy: 8m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is yet another in a long list of churches I have visited that has been lost to time. The church is largely ruined and what remains is lost underneath ivy growth making it impossible to really make anything out. The patron saint of the church is St Cedus and he is commemorated on 20th November. The present remains are medieval in date and consist of a largely ruined church with the E gable surviving to most of its original height. Portions of the N and S walls survive at the E end. Wall footings survive at the W end. The church was 16m x 9m in size. I have a feeling that the ivy is the only thing holding this ruin together now and it is probably unremarkable underneath it all. The only reason this ruin stands out in my mind is because I left my walking bag with all my equipment in it on the wall of the ruin and was halfway home when I noticed it wasn’t in the seat next to me. I drove back and luckily it was still on the wall with everything inside. I’ve never made that error since.

Difficulty – Easy to get to and has plenty of parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

Believe it or not there is a church under that ivy.

At least there's a bit of wall in this shot.

The inside of the church.

The wall footings.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Castletown and Glinsk High Cross, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly.

2010-07-20T09:33:00.001+01:00

Location – In the grounds of Kinnitty Castle which is just off, and visible from, the R421. The cross is right next to the Camcor river.
OS: N 203 058 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 41' 47.65" W
Latitude: 53° 6' 9.86" N
GPS: N 20321 05835 (Accuracy: 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This beautiful 10th century high cross is now located in the grounds of Kinnitty Castle which is not its original location. Its origins are unknown but it probably came from one of the many local ecclesiastical sites. The cross, in its current location, is also on the wrong axis with the E face now facing S. The head of the cross is damaged and largely missing. The rest of the cross is richly decorated. There are large sections with animal, foliage and geometric designs carved on it and various biblical scenes which include the crucifixion, David playing the lyre and Eve handing the apple to Adam. A weathered inscription attributes the cross to Colman and Maelsechnaill Mac Maelruanaid, King of Tara from 846-862AD.

Difficulty – Really easy to get to as it is in the grounds of the castle hotel. Plenty of parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

The crucifixion.

There are wonderful patterns on the reverse face.

The highly weathered base.

Eve handing the apple to Adam.

In this shot you can clearly see where the cross has been broken and placed back together again. It also looks as if both sections have been weathered in different ways.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Greatheath, Ring-Barrow, Co. Laois.

2010-07-19T11:57:00.001+01:00

Location – It’s hard to miss this barrow and is right in the middle of the Heath village is just passed the school and next to a track that runs towards the golf course. It is right on the side of the road.
OS: N 522 009 (map 55)
Longitude: 7° 13' 17.52" W
Latitude: 53° 3' 21.49" N
GPS: N 52191 00871 (Accuracy: 3m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a lovely little ring barrow and is so easily accessible. It is part of a much larger barrow cemetery that spans a large portion of the Heath. As with the barrow cemetery at Little Curragh in Co. Kildare there is a golf course right in the middle of it. I had read that apart from this barrow the others are either on the course or in people’s back gardens. This isn’t actually the case and the others can be accessed and I will need to go back to get to these.

This barrow is shallow and only rises to a height 0.5m. The outer ring measures nearly 16m in diameter. The central mound has been quarried out unfortunately and measures about 5.5m in diameter. The fosse is nearly 5m wide while the outer bank is 4m wide. This is a fine example of a ring barrow. There is a little gorse growth on the barrow which needs to be dealt with before it takes hold and takes over. Tom FourWinds at Megalithomania has visited and documented the other barrows and can be read about here.

Difficulty – Really easy to get to. Be careful not to park on the shallow bank and fosse.

For more barrows, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

The central mound with the encroaching gorse.

Looking at the bank and fosse.

You can see here how close to the road this barrow is.

You can see here that the centre has been robbed of material at some point.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Killeshin Church, Co. Laois.

2010-07-14T09:27:00.001+01:00

Location – Just off the R430 about 3km West of Carlow town
OS: S 673 778 (map 61)
Longitude: 7° 0' 2.6" W
Latitude: 52° 50' 49.68" N
GPS: S 67318 77817 (Accuracy: 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This place is absolutely beautiful and you really could spend hours here looking at the wonderfully carved Romanesque doorway. This place really has to be seen to be believed as even the photos do not do it justice. The doorway is really fantastic and far out does most Romanesque carvings in Ireland. Yet it is not well known at all. A church was founded on the site by St. Dermot in the 6th century but he is no longer the venerated saint here. St Comhdan is commemorated here on the 27th February. In 1041 the site was plundered and the church was burned in 1077. All that remains of the subsequent 12th century building are the gable ends and some of the N wall. The church was approximately 28m in length. The ornate doorway has four orders with human heads on the capitals with intertwined hair. The arch of the doorway has a large triangular hood is decorated with animal and floral patterns. There are two inscriptions on the doorway. On the N side of the doorway an inscription reads ‘a prayer for Diarmait, King of Leinster’. Diarmuid invited the Normans to Ireland to help him reclaim his kingdom and the consequences of his actions can still be felt today. This church therefore dates do a period just before the Normans seized control and this makes this church historically significant. I do not know what the other inscription says. A round tower,which has been unfortunately destroyed, dates to this same period. Parts of the E wall are later in date. A late medieval font sits by the doorway. It is undecorated.This really is a fantastic site and a must for any fan of Romanesque art and architecture of which I certainly am.

Difficulty – Easy to get to and easy to park at.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

As you can see, every surface of the doorway is carved.

The undecorated portion of stone was put in during restoration to replace a now missing stone.

You can see the inscription here on the central panal.

More of the inscription.

The underside of the arch.

A human face on the capital.

Another face on the capital.

The face of the saint?

The font by the doorway.

Late medieval window.

Beautiful little Romanesque window.

The inside of the door is much less exciting.

The church from the rear.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

The Entrance to Tir na nOg, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick.

2010-07-13T08:44:00.001+01:00

Location – This one is a little tricky to find. When you get the car park at the visitors centre follow the path the goes along the shore passed Bolin Island and the dovecote until you get to the gate marked ‘no entry’. From here look into the hedge on your left and you will see a gap in the hedge and a path that goes up hill. It’s up there.
OS: R 644 411 (map 65)
Longitude: 8° 31' 26.73" W
Latitude: 52° 31' 14.23" N
GPS: R 64429 41147 (Accuracy: 7m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This site is unusual for this website in that it is a natural feature. I have included it here because of its mythic associations. It is said that this cave is the entrance to the Celtic underworld Tir na nOg. Getting to this site is difficult which is unusual because it is very close to the pathway that runs by the shore. It’s a steep climb up to the cave and it is very slippy, particularly after a rainfall and I nearly broke my knees heading up there. The cave is not very big and only about 4m and high and 5m deep. The entrance seems to have been worked at some point and seems a little square to be natural. Getting down is much harder that getting up there. When I came down I slipped and accidentally grabbed a thorn bush. I hit my knee and ripped open my hand. Then I lost my footing and decided it was easier to let the momentum carry me down and not try to stop so I emerged onto the path in a full sprint much to the bemusement of the many people walking along the path. I must have looked a sight with the bloody hand, ripped jeans and limp. Needless to say, be careful going up there.

Difficulty – As I’ve already described it’s pretty tricky getting up and down from here.

For more sites in and around Lough Gur, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Knockmore, Stone Pair, Co. Tipperary.

2010-07-10T16:22:00.001+01:00

Location – This one is a tricky one to find and to give directions would be possible if it wasn’t for the new motorway which had really thrown everything out and I find it hard to get there because the maps are no longer current. Bring your map anyway and a GPS will really help you here. This site is not marked on the OS map.
OS: R 794 765 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 18' 17.17" W
Latitude: 52° 50' 23.13" N
GPS: R 79465 76572 (Accuracy: 3m)

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This stone pair is quite a mystery. Quite some time ago my brother, his partner and I were looking for Carrigeen stone row and stumbled across this stone pair. I couldn’t locate it in the inventory but didn’t really think much of it. A few months later I was contacted by the land owner who was curious about these stones, particularly as he could find no mention of them in books or online. They are also missing from maps and the sites and monuments record. They just seem to have been completely over-looked by everyone. This is a shame because this is a nice stone pair. One stone still stands while the other is recumbent. Cattle use these stones as scratchers as the ground is very worn around the stones and in the winter they get very flooded. The stone that still stands is about 1.5m high and the other stone would be about the same height if it was ever standing. Carrigeen can be seen on the horizon in the distance. I will have to back to see if there is any alignment for this site.

Difficulty – They are in the middle of a cattle field and can be seen from the road. Drive West along the road for about 1 mile until you go around a sharp bend in the road and come to farm house. Ask permission there.

For more standing stone, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

Pretty flooded during the winter.

In slightly drier weather.

In the good weather.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Knockane, Tower House, Co. Tipperary.

2010-07-09T09:03:00.001+01:00

Location – Located just outside of Toomyvara. During the winter months you can see it from the N7 from a great distance.
OS: R 981 792 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 1' 41.57" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 49.55" N
GPS: R 98160 79214 (Accuracy: 6m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a really beautiful tower house and has its own individual character. I had seen pictures in the Archaeological Inventory but had never set out to see it. That was until I saw it from the N7 last winter. I went out the next weekend determined to get there. It is located at the far end of a cattle field, which was luckily empty. The fence is in bad repair and was covered with barbed wire and thorns. I managed to get over it eventually and made my way to the castle. Unfortunately for me the door had been blocked up with corrugated iron. Someone had obviously made it through since there was a hole pushed through but they must have been a much smaller person than me. Maybe I will get in there someday. However, just seeing the outside was a treat.

The tower house is about 10m x 9m and about 25m high. There is a slight base batter and nicely rounded quoins. There are bartizans over the NW and SE corners and a machicolation over the entrance. The spiral staircase is in the SE corner of the castle and can just been seen through the hole in the blocked up doorway. All the floors survive (although I did not see this) and you can get right to the top. I am really looking forward to the day I get in there. From what I could see on the inside it looks like the castle was burned quite badly at some point. I couldn’t find out anything about its history but it appears to have been built in the 17th century.

Difficulty – Easy enough to get to if you can get over the fence. Ask permission.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

View from the fence. It can get a little muddy.

The base batter.

The chimney stacks and gable ends.

The remains of one of the bartizans.

The other bartizan is more in tact.

Looking up at the machicolation.

I could get through to top bit and when I go back I will take someone with me to help me in.

Looking up one of the garderobe shoots. A risky undertaking when the castle was in use.

A glimpse of the inside from the door.

This doorway leads to the spiral staircase. Note now charred the stone is.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Knigh Church, Co. Tipperary.

2010-06-22T09:17:00.001+01:00

Location – Located on the R493 about 3km N of Nenagh. It’s right by the road and easy to spot.
OS: R 857 844 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 12' 45.28" W
Latitude: 52° 54' 37.11" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is quite a plain church in a very nice location. The views from here are very nice and the graveyard is well kept and the church has had partial restoration carried out on it. The church is roughly 18m long and 9m wide. The priest’s quarters take up the W end of the church and there is a division between the nave and chancel. The original doorway was restructured during restoration and is not in its original form. Apart from that the restoration is quite good with original windows retained. Ivy growth covers much of the church but architectural features can still be made out.

Difficulty – Easy to get to and easy to get around.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

One of the highly damaged windows.

This doorway retains its original shape.

This doorway was altered during restoration work and is not in its original form. A modern wooden lintel was also put in.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Knigh Castle, Co. Tipperary.

2010-06-21T08:19:00.002+01:00

Location – On the R493 about 3km N of Nenagh. It can be clearly seen on a slight rise next to the road.
OS: R 857 847 (map 59)
Longitude: 8° 12' 45.33" W
Latitude: 52° 54' 46.81" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – There is not much left of this castle but is still sticks out in the landscape. All that remains is the NW corner of a tower house and the foundations of the rest of the castle. From the foundations the castle measures 9m x 12m. The castle was four storeys high with a barrel vault over the first floor that is still intact along with two garderobes. Nothing seems to be known about the history of this castle. I quite like it. It presents an interesting dot on the landscape.

Difficulty – Easy to spot. It is located in cattle fields so you might not be able to get right up to the castle but it can be viewed easily enough from the road.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

As viewed from the nearby church.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Pigeon House, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick.

2010-06-18T10:16:00.001+01:00

Location – Located right in the shores of Lough Gur on Knockadoon hill.
OS: R 646 412 (map 65)
Longitude: 8° 31' 18.52" W
Latitude: 52° 31' 14.75" N
GPS: R 64584 41162 (Accuracy: 7m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – I generally don’t come across many pigeon houses even though they are scattered around the place. They were introduced by the Normans and housed pigeons and doves which were used for eggs and meat. This example dates to the 17th century and appears on drawings of the nearby castle. It is about 2.6m high and 5m thick and largely ruined. One side of the pigeon house is completely ruined and portions survive to full height although the roof is now missing. Nothing spectacular here but interesting nonetheless.

Difficulty – Easy enough to find and it has its own information board.

For more sites around Lough Gur, click here.
For more sites in Co. Limerick, click here.

Parts are very overgrown.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Derrin Castle, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois.

2010-06-15T11:46:00.001+01:00

Location – Just outside Borris-in-Ossory and visible from the N7.

OS: S 260 884 (map 60)
Longitude: 7° 36' 45.68" W
Latitude: 52° 56' 44.57" N
GPS: S 26033 88389 (Accuracy: 3m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – Known as Derrin Castle, this is not a castle. It is not even a fortified house. It is just a plain house. It is included in the Archaeological Inventory for County Laois because it pre-dates 1700 and is a sizable property. The life of this property is very short and only appears to have been occupied for 75 years at the most. It was constructed in the early 1600’s and was abandoned in 1675 when the last owner, Dorothy Hedges, died. Constructed of limestone, this is a T-shaped house with huge projecting diagonal chimney stacks in the N and S gables. Fireplaces and windows are still visible. The inside is largely overgrown and has been surrounded by barbed wire to prevent entry. This was a wise move by the owner as the building really looks unstable and is in danger of collapse. Rabbits are now the only occupants of this building. A small modern structure has been built onto the side and is used for farm storage.

Difficulty – Easy to get to. It is in the middle of an easily accessible field.

For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.

The view as you enter the field.

The front of the castle.

From the side. Note the modern structure.

From the rear.

The beautiful chimney stacks.

Looking in one of the former windows.

The bottom of the walls have been robbed of stone adding to the instability of the structure.

Fireplaces in the walls.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Leitir Lugna (Letter), Church and Holy Well, Co. Offaly.

2010-06-14T11:29:00.002+01:00

Location – Near the village of Cadamstown and signposted. The architectural fragments are cemented into the front of the Cadamstown church.
Church and holy well co-ordinates:
OS: N 231 076 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 39' 17.82" W
Latitude: 53° 7' 6.55" N

Architectural fragments co-ordinates:
OS: N 228 086 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 39' 33.69" W
Latitude: 53° 7' 38.95" N
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – When I saw that the site was signposted and that there was an information board my hopes began to rise that this might be something special and I was very very disappointed. There is very little left. Normally that wouldn’t bother me, I’m use to it, but when there’s a build up it’s disheartening. I think that the only reason that it is signposted is that it’s near Cadamstown which is a popular tourist destination. On the plus side it is great to see lesser known sites being looked after, although it could do with a little more care.

A church was found here by St. Lugna in the 6th century and the site was chosen because it is situated at the crossroads of the Slighe Mor and Slighe Dala which were two of ancient Ireland’s four major roads. In 1473 the church was home to a priest called Conchobhar O hOgain who was accused of neglecting the church and selling certain assets. He also kept a concubine in the church with whom he fathered a son.

All that remains of the church today are the mound it was situated on and a small wall fragment with a window and the springers for a barrel vault which would have been the priest’s quarters. The surrounding land around the knoll is very marshy. The nearby holy well is known as ‘Toberlugna’ and is visited on 27th April. It has been recently conserved and modern enclosure with the face of saint has been erected over the site. I couldn’t get very close to the well because of the marshy conditions. At Cadamstown church are two medieval stone faces that have been inserted into the front of the building. These fragments came from Leitir Lugna.

Difficulty – Easy enough to get to since it is signposted but it can be boggy after heavy rain.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

As you enter the field, this is the view of the mound and church remains.

As you can see there isn't much left here.

I really think this could collapse any day.

Partially blocked up window.

Stone from the church litters the ground.

The remains of a lost building.

The site as viewed from the rear.

The holy well...a little blurry.

The face of the saint.

The architectural fragments at Cadamstown church. They are place either side of a window above the entrance.

This is the more weathered of the two faces.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map

Carrigatogher Holy Well, Co. Tipperary.

2010-06-10T10:13:00.001+01:00

Location – Not far from the N7. It can be a little tricky to get to because of all the road works which seem to change every time I go by so a map is of little help here but bring it with you.
OS: R 804 767 (map 59)

Longitude: 8° 17' 27.24" W
Latitude: 52° 50' 27.39" N

See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This is a nice little holy well in a bad location. Nearby roadworks and the N7 spoil the view as does a huge electricity pylon in the next field. Apart from that it’s a nice spot. The enclosure is quite modern but is not a monstrosity as some modern enclosures can be. It is a simple concrete enclosure with a cross on top which is built around a small natural well which runs under the road and into the pool. A concrete wall, with a gate, surrounds the whole structure. The modern enclosure is about a meter in height and is dedicated to St Patrick and is traditionally visited on St Patrick’s Day and on Saturdays when the water is said to have healing powers.

Difficulty – Plenty of places to park. It can get flooded after a heavy rain fall.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.

There is a nicely made path leading to the well. No trekking across fields for this one.

After a heavy rainfall the water flows quite rapidly to the well by the side of the path.

It does, however, get quite flooded around the well.

We couldn't even get to the well because of the flooding.

This was as close as we could get.

The interior of the well.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map