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ARDMORE County Donegal

A distinctive squared pillarstone of monumental proportions, standing about 7 feet high and heavily decorated on its south-east face with cup-marks, some surrounded by well executed single and multiple rings. No burials were found during excavation of the site in 1874, so this was probably an object of religious significance rather than a memorial to an individual. A novel explanation of the origin of the markings was volunteered to the excavator by local people: they were caused by stray cannon balls striking the stone during the siege of Londonderry in 1689!

Centuries of weathering in this exposed location has taken its toll and continuing deterioration seems inevitable, but this is still a singularly fine example of Galacian or Bronze Age art, well worth seeking out. The megalith is in a field adjoining a farmyard 1 mile north-north-east of Muff and is reached by a minor road leading west off the road to Moville. Permission to visit it may be obtained at the house.

Click here to buy the Appletree Press book from Amazon.co.uk. For more information click on: Ireland's Ancient Stones - A Megalithic Heritage by Kenneth McNally, published by Appletree Press.

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