Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Sheela-na-gig
Galesquarter, County Laois, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Galesquarter
- County
- Laois
- Country
- Ireland
- Latest-edition OS map
- Not indicated
- Coordinates
- 52.81611, -7.47279
- SMR number
- LA035-022002-
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 4 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1790 "Composite: Ireland." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
A rude carving in relief of a female figure was visible, at a height of 13m, on S end of E wall of Cullahill castle (LA035-022001-) (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 232). Not visible due to ivy growth. Located approx. 14 m above ground incorporated into the masonry of E wall close to SE angle of Cullahill castle (LA035-022001-) Described by Freitag as a ‘powerfully built limestone figure carved in relief. Stern, manly looking face with big ears; broad shoulders; big, limp breasts; strong, billowy lines indicating ribs across upper torso; arms in front of body, hands joined with fingers either covering or entering vulva; no legs’ (Freitag 2004, 131)
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: 06 June 2012
References
Carrigan, Rev. W. 1905 (Reprint 1981) The history and antiquities of the diocese of Ossory, 4 vols. Kilkenny. Roberts Books and Wellbrook Press.
Freitag, B. 2004 Sheela-na-gigs: unravelling an enigma. London. Routledge.
Nearby in the register
- Castle - tower houseunder 1 mi
- Bawnunder 1 mi
- Wellunder 1 mi
- Churchunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.