Bullaun stone in Clonmacnoise

National Monument No. 81. Small bullaun stone situated 5m to the W of Temple Kelly at Clonmacnoise. A second bullaun stone (OF005-022----) which according to the OS Field Name Books of 1837-40 was known as 'Glun Tinnis Cinn', knee-stone of the head-ache. It is situated on the N. side of the Pilgrims' Road to the Seven Churches, about 9 chains from the Graveyard. It is an ancient stone, having in it the print of knees, on which the pilgrims to the Seven Churches kneel to pray. (OSFNB 1837-40). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Likely dating to the early medieval period, bullaun stones like this one were traditionally used for the preparation of holy water or as ritual sites associated with Christian monastic activity. They are often linked to local saints or folklore, though specific meanings or uses for this stone remain unrecorded.