Bullaun stone in Ballydrehid

This bullaun stone was apparently brought to Toureen Peakaun c. 1990 for safekeeping from Ballydrehid which is the adjacent townland to the E. It is currently within the enclosed area of the holy well at Toureen Peakaun (TS075-023005-) where it is recorded as TS075-023073-. It is located 2m S of the well and is composed of sandstone with quartz pebble inclusions (dims. H 0.58m; Wth 0.5m; T 0.37m). The stone has been set on edge as it contains two circular depressions, on opposing faces. That on the E face is 0.29m x 0.3m; D 0.12m. That on the W face is 0.29m x 0.25m; D 0.07m. The precise location it came from in Ballydrehid is unknown. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011

Dated to the early medieval period, bullaun stones were often used for ritual purposes, such as the anointing of the sick with holy water. This example may have been associated with the holy well at Toureen Peakaun, reflecting a continuity of sacred landscape use from prehistoric to Christian traditions.