Holed stone in Killoluaig

Situated in level pasture, KE088-010002- occupies a roughly rectangular area which is delimited by modern field boundaries. Within this is an oval-shaped enclosure, an earthwork complex and a number of house sites. The enclosure contains a leacht and a gable-shrine, a holed stone, and numerous uninscribed grave-markers which relate to the use of the site as a ceallúnach (OSNB Killemlagh, 20). A pillar stone is incorporated into the external face of the enclosing element at S. A second ceallúnach (KE088-011001-) is located a short distance to E. Holed Stone (KE088-010005-): Re-used as a burial marker, this stone is located near the E limits of the enclosure KE088-010012-). Trapezoidal in elevation, it measures .4m x .45m x .06m thick and features a small central perforation, .02m in diameter. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 960. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

Dated to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, the holed stone in Killoluaig may have had ritual or ceremonial significance, possibly used as a ritual passage or marker within a broader settlement and ritual landscape. Such features are sometimes associated with fertility symbolism or seasonal rites in prehistoric folklore.