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Bullaun stone in Doobally

Bullaun stone

What is recorded here

Doobally still holds the memory of Lisahurman fort, where a rounded sandstone boulder waited with a shallow basin ready for water, ceremony or longing. People called it a font, suggesting they believed the stone could give life back or clean what flesh had broken. It later moved to Tullaghan Roman Catholic church, carrying that old purpose into a newer room. The basin no longer needs explanation when you picture hands hovering over it, unsure whether to drink, wash or simply touch what doobally had kept sacred.
The inscription (LE001-035003-) and the bullaun stone, known locally as a font, which are now at Tullaghan Roman Catholic church (LE001-063001-), came from a fort in Doobally townland that was called Lisahurman fort, possibly this one. The bullaun stone is a globular sandstone boulder (H 0.52m) which has a flat top (dims 0.58m x 0.54m) with a single basin (diam. 0.35m; D 0.2m). There are traces of pecking in the basin and around the top of the stone. (Ó Gallachair 1958) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Leitrim' compiled by Michael J. Moore (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2003). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 September 2008

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.

What survives
Recorded monument

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