Bullaun stone

The National Monuments Service's description

On the E bank of a small stream on the S side of the main road through the Glen of Aherlow, in pasture. A roughly circular boulder (dims. 1m x 1.1m; H 0.33m) of red sandstone with quartz inclusions, with three water-filled circular depressions (dims. 0.27m x 0.34m; D 0.19m; 0.26m x 0.26m; D 0.18m; 0.24m x 0.31m; D 0.2m) and three other depressions at the edge of the boulder (0.24m x 0.26m; D 0.16m; 0.26m x 0.27m; D 0.22m; 0.22m x 0.28m; D 0.05m), the latter edges are worn where they meet the edge of the boulder, particularly the two deepest hollows. According to local tradition the bullaun has wart curing properties. The bullaun currently rests on a stone plinth with a low back wall constructed of small rounded river stones surmounted by small stones. The floor of the structure slopes upwards towards the back and is studded with small stones embedded in concrete. According to Weir (1980, 214) the underside of the boulder has two 'less perfect bullauns'and the stone is known locally as 'The Blessed Stone'.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 26 August 2011

References

Weir, A. 1980 Early Ireland: a field guide. Belfast. Blackstaff Press.