What is recorded here

Ancheallnuach, a burial ground on the highest point near Ballyferriter, still holds a narrow sandstone pillar marked with crosses and the letters DNS and DNO. The stone left for Adare Manor and returned, suggesting people once valued its visibility from Smerwick Harbour. It stands as a quiet landmark where memory, faith and local pride met stone.

National Monument No. 519. Calluragh burial ground/An Cheallnúach: KE042-060001- is located about 1.25km E of the village of Ballyferriter on approximately the highest point in the townland with a good view to the N over Smerwick Harbour. (8) Cross-inscribed pillars and slabs: Stone D (KE042-060016-) had been removed to Adare Manor, Co. Limerick (Fanning 1971) but is now relocated on the site. It is a narrow sandstone pillar decorated on one face with a simple Latin cross below which the letters DNS are vertically inscribed. On the opposite face a similar cross terminates in the inverted inscription DNO. There is a small dot in each angle of the cross arms, two others on the top of the stone and another in the centre of the letter O. L: 1.14m. W: .13m. To see a 3D model of this stone visit: https://skfb.ly/M7wJ The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 874. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 9 August 2013

Monumental Pillars, An Riasc are likely from the Neolithic or early Bronze Age, associated with burial or ritual practices given their location in a known burial ground. Their alignment and positioning may reflect ceremonial use or astronomical significance, though specific folklore or detailed meaning is not recorded.

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