What is recorded here

Ten feet of granite stood in County Carlow, marked with four plain crosses and one double cross, its surface scored in patterns that may have spoken an older tongue. The stone broke in 1936, scattering fragments whose whereabouts remain unknown. What was written there, if anything, vanished with the pieces, leaving behind a gap where memory should be.

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Described by Macalister as 'massive pillar of granite, 10 feet in length … on the (present) upper surface … there are four plain crosses, and a double cross [i.e. a cross with two transverse bars]. The plain crosses are about 4 inches square, the double cross about the size of two plain crosses' (JRSAI 1910, 350-1). The stone was also pitted and scored, the latter being considered as a possible ogham inscription. Broken up in 1936. Fragments reportedly preserved, but present location unknown.

Ogham Stone, Castlegrace is likely from the 5th to 6th century AD, associated with early Christian or late pagan inscribed monuments in Ireland. Ogham stones often mark territorial boundaries or commemorate individuals, with the inscriptions using the early Irish ogham script.

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