Bullaun stone in Gortnalaght

A small bullaun stone (dims. 0.44m x 0.27m; H c. 0.2m) with a single basin (diam. 0.23m; D 0.13m) was found when an old building immediately W of rath (WA023-009001-) was damaged. It is now kept at Tay Lodge (WA023-077----), c. 300m to the SW. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 25th March, 2011. Compiled by: Michael Moore

Likely dating to the early Christian period, bullaun stones were often used for ritual purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or the anointing of the sick. They are sometimes associated with local saints or folk traditions involving healing and protection.