Fort of the Three Stones

Marked on the 1840 ed. of the OS 6-inch map within a small enclosure called 'Lios na dTrí gCloch' (WA013-038001-). Situated on level ground at the W foothills of the Monavullagh Mountains. A three-stone alignment (L 4.7m) is oriented NE-SW. The stones are conglomerate. The NE stone has a rectangular cross-section (dims. 0.9m x 0.45m; H 0.65m) and a rounded top. The central stone has a rectangular cross-section (dims. 0.75m x 0.5m; H 1.25m) and a crested top. The SW stone has a square cross-section (dims. 0.6m x 0.6m: H 1.6m) and a pointed top. The distances between the stones from NE are 1.6m and 0.7m. A possible fallen outlier (dims. 1.1m x 0.5m; L 1.85m) is adjacent to the SE, but it was moved to this position. A possible embanked enclosure (WA013-037----) is c. 80m to the WSW. (Power 1898a, 87) Power, Rev. P. (1898a) Ancient ruined churches of Co. Waterford. WAJ 4, 83-95, 195-219. 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. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 15 November 2010

Probably dating to the Bronze Age, the three-stone alignment may have had ceremonial or astronomical significance. The name "Lios na dTrí gCloch" (Fort of the Three Stones) suggests a possible association with early Irish mythology or folklore.