What is recorded here

Killgobbin church stands beside a graveyard where a 12th-century granite cross rises from a shapeless boulder. The cross shaft fits into a cut mortise, while a shallow basin marks the stone surface beside it. That small hollow may have collected rain, held oil or received an offering before the cross gave the place its shape.

Situated on the N slope of Three Rock Mountain, on the S side of Kilgobbin Lane, near Stepaside Village. 30m NW of Kilgobbin church (DU025-016001-) and graveyard (DU025-016002-) there is a bullaun or small bowl-shaped hollow on the upper surface of a large boulder which serves as the base of a 12th-century granite high cross (DU025-016011-). The base of the high cross and the bullaun was described by Ball (1905, 71) as; 'The shaft is carefully fitted into an oblong mortice in a shapeless base stone, which measures four feet nine inches across [1.44m], and has a bullaun, or shallow basin, one foot [0.3m] in diameter cut in its surface'. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout and Padraig Clancy Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 8 May 2023

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

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