What is recorded here

Gallán stands two metres sixty-five high in level Cork pasture, leaning north with small depressions on its surface that local story claims are the head and hand prints of the giant who erected it. A second stone lies nearby, and a strange one-eyed skull said to have appeared under a rock in the glen suggests the place has always belonged to more than ordinary people.

In level pasture. Stone (H 2.65m; 1.7m x 0.6m) is subrectangular in plan and leaning to N; long axis NE-SW. Some packing stones at base. One large and numerous small natural depressions on surface, said to be ' the impression of the Giant's head and hands who erected it' (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 3, 334). Second stone (L 2m; 1.15m x 0.4m) lies 1.4m to N. According to Grove White (ibid., vol. 4, 143), skull 'larger than a "weight pot", thick and heavy, with the socket only for one eye in the middle of the forehead' was found c. 1850, under a rock in a glen near the 'gallaun'. Sword also said to be found with the skull. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Likely dating to the Early Christian or medieval period, the stone may be associated with local saints or folklore, given the name "Gallán," which is of Irish origin and often linked to early monastic or holy sites. The depressions on its surface could represent natural features or have ritual significance, possibly connected to water collection or symbolic markings.

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