Bullaun stone in Inishfoyle

In rough pasture, on the N-facing slope of Baurearagh Mountain. A bowl-shaped water-filled hollow (diam. 0.37m; D 0.13m) is cut into the gently sloping upper surface of a boulder (4.5m N-S; 2.75m E-W; H 0.8m). According to local information, this bullaun stone served as a holy well and china cups beside it imply that pilgrims continue to avail of the holy water. Also according to local information, the boulder was used as a mass-rock (KE110-004----) in Penal times. A recent plaque on outcropping rock to the W commemorates Fr. John O'Neill who was 'beheaded here in penal days'. Three simple Latin crosses, the largest measuring 0.18m x 0.15m, are inscribed on the boulder immediately N of the bullaun stone. The crosses show evidence of recent rubbing and there is a small stone adjacent to them for this purpose. See attached colour photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the bullaun stone may have been used for ritual purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or as a site for Christian pilgrimages. In folklore, such stones are often associated with saintly figures and healing traditions.