Sheela-na-gig

The National Monuments Service's description

Reference to a strange figure in stone at the doorway of Timahoe tower house (LA018-031006-) and a grotesque stone figure (Anon 1894, 80, 393). Not clear whether this is referring to the same or a second figure. According to local information, there was a figure on the part of the N wall which has fallen; it may be buried beneath debris (Guest 1936, 114). No visible surface remains. In 1894 it was recorded that at Timahoe there was ‘a grotesque figure requiring further inquiry’ (Anon 1894, 393). In the same year it was recorded that at Timahoe Castle (LA018-031006-) there was ‘a strange figure in stone, at the doorway of this castle. Its claim to admission in the list is open to doubt; but it is figured in a series of drawings belonging to the late Thomas Cooke, Esq., of Parsonstown, in 1870, and now owned by a gentleman in the south of Ireland, who kindly lent them to the writer’ (Anon 1894, 80). In 1935 Guest wrote that ‘it is not clear whether one figure is referred to, or two; none at all can now be seen. From personal information it appears that there was a figure on the part of the north wall that has now fallen, and it probably lies buried in the debris’ (Guest 1936, 114)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 06 June 2012

References

Guest, E.M. 1936 Irish sheela na gigs in 1935. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 66, 107-29.

Anon. 1894 Miscellanea. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 24, 80, 393.