Location: They are SW of Borris-in-Ossory and SE of Roscrea. The stones are spread over a large area, so the co-ordinated below are just to the entrance of the track that leads to the stones. They are spread out over many fields.
OS: S 18584 83712
Longitude: -7.7245066
Latitude: 52.904206
Description and History: The Timoney stones are located in Timonyhills townland and cover many acres. In all there are roughly 178 standing stones and at least 70 others were known but have now been removed. They are very close in proximity to the Cullaun stones and are probably part of the same complex. The stones range in size from 30cm to about 2m and follow no discernible pattern which is why they are the subject of discussion. Standing stones are usually found on their own or in a patterned group. Single stones signify burials, boundaries or perhaps ritual use and groups are found in pairs, rows or circles and serve similar functions. The randomness of the Timoney stones follow no known archaeological pattern. Therefore, the dating of the stones and their function and origin remain unknown. Some have suggested that these stones are natural and maybe due to glacial deposits. Although possible, the fact that these stones are upstanding suggests that they were put there by human hands. The presence of a stone circle at Cullaun, possible cashel and the knowledge that there were five cairns (now destroyed) at Timoney all suggest inhabitation on the site as far back as the Neolithic period. However, there is also evidence that points towards a more modern date. The first is the lack of local lore about the stones. No local legends mention the stones. However, this proves nothing as not every historical site is mentioned in local legends. The remodelling done on the lands of Timoneyhills and Cullaun in the 19th century by the landowner William Hutchinson may also provide an origin for the stones. Hutchinson planted many groves of trees in the area on 1814 to make the land more attractive as it is naturally rocky. It is possible that these stones were erected by Hutchinson. There is evidence that this is not the case and this comes in the form of William’s son, John Dawson Hutchinson. John wrote diaries which mention the changes to the land made by his father. He mentions that the origin of the stones are unknown. He says, “...there are several of these [stones] through the land...Several have been rooted [removed] by tenants and some in the course of the improvements carried on here...I cannot pretend to say what might have been their use.” [Parker-Hutchinson Papers, NLI, p123]. The final piece of evidence suggesting a modern date is the fact that the stones are in shallow soil and can be easily toppled. Not all of the stones have packing stones at the base. I would argue for an earlier date as the erection of the stones in a modern setting would likely to have been remembered through local lore...particularly when the modern 1814 date is only 4 or 5 generations back...local families would surely of had information passed down to them. Also against the possibility of a modern date is their randomness. It makes sense that a person who wishes to place many standing stones on their land would do so in a more traditional sense, meaning that a folly is likely to be made up of stone circles and more stereotypical patterns as opposed to random groupings. There is a megalithic folly at Cullaun but again this does not mean that the rest of the stones are modern. Further in favour of an earlier date are the many stone pairs that are aligned on a N-S or E-W axis. There are also at least three stone rows with two actually meeting. If these were modern and placed with the intention to fool, I would expect to see much larger stones as opposed to these stones which are all rather small. None appear to reach above 6ft. Whatever their origin they are fascinating and well worth going to see. The sheer volume of stones in a small concentration is impressive. While at Timoneyhills go and see the Cullaun stones nearby which are also on the old Hutchinson lands.
Update: The above was written in 2009, and many years later I feel I have more knowledge on the subject, and I don't agree with me from 17 years ago, but it's worthwhile leaving up and it is no harm to show that opinions can change. Subsequent to the above I brought an archaeologist to the site to have a look at the stones, and she felt there was strong evidence of modern tool marks on the stone making a modern date more likely. Her speciality is tool marks on megalithic tombs. While not conclusive, as this was only a personal comment based on a cursory look at the stones, I feel it is worth taking into consideration. (April, 2026)
Difficulty: The Timoney Stones are located in large cattle fields but many stones can be seen from the track way. There are large volumes of cattle in the fields and unfortunately they seem to congregate around the larger stones and use them as scratchers. Signs are on all the fences warning hunters to keep off. This is a site where asking the farmer is essential if you want to go into the fields. Also be careful with the cattle...there's a lot of them.
Date of Visit: 1st August, 4th October, 2009 and 2nd October, 2010.
For more standing stones, click here.
For more sites in Co. Tipperary, click here.
