Cloich Chionnaola [Cloghaneely]

Folly, erected c.1774, comprising a roughcast rendered rubble stone pillar (on circular-plan) having projecting plinth to base with projecting stringcourse over, stone or slate coping over, and surmounted by a white limestone boulder with red crystalline veining. Located in a field in the rural countryside to the north-east of An Fál Carrach [Falcarragh] and to the south-east of Ballyconnell House (see 40812001).

This curious folly is an interesting feature on the rural landscape to the north-east of the centre of An Fál Carrach [Falcarragh]. It consists of an irregular white limestone boulder with red veining that is set on top of a rendered rubble stone pillar that is some sixteen feet in height. The pillar was originally erected by Wybrants and Sarah Olpherts of nearby Ballyconnell House (see 40812001) in 1774. The stone is known as Cloich Chionnaola [Cloghaneely] and it gives its name to the surrounding area. According to folklore, the white limestone boulder is stained with the petrified blood (the red veining) of Faoladh (a chieftain called Mac Aneely), who was beheaded on the stone by the one-eyed giant, Balor, the mythical king of Toraigh [Tory Island], after he discovered that Faoladh had plans to kill him (Balor had stolen one of Faoladh's cattle - the Glas Gaibhleann). There was formerly timber gantry around the top of the pillar with a timber fence (archival photo c.1900). This curious monument is an interesting addition to the built heritage of the local area, and is an element of the social history and folklore of the local area. It also forms part of a group of related structures associated with the Olphert family of nearby Ballyconnell House.