Penitential station in Cahermakerrila

In pasture on the Burren plateau, at the S base of a low E–W ridge, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-001001-). Listed as ‘Fulacht fia (possible)’ in the RMP (1996). Noted on Robinson’s map (1977) as an ‘arched stone for headache cure.’ It consists of a flat-topped grass-covered cairn (diam. 2.8m; H 0.4m). At its centre stands an arch-shaped stone (int. dims. H 0.37m; Wth 0.32m; D 0.1–0.12m), with its two arms (each Wth 0.1–0.12m; D 0.12–0.18m) embedded in the cairn. The stone is now broken into three pieces but it was originally a single piece of unworked weathered limestone. The arch faces St. Colman’s well (CL009-006001-), which lies c. 2m to the S. According to local sources, headaches were cured by inserting one’s head into the space under the arch. A hut site (CL009-006003-) lies c. 4m to the S, on the other side of the holy well. There is an enclosure (CL009-007----) c. 94m to the E. The following image has been attached: CL009-006002- (looking N).jpg Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 18 October 2021

A penitential station associated with early Christian pilgrimage practices; traditionally linked to the Stations of the Resurrection, where pilgrims would stop to pray and perform acts of penance. The site is part of a network of holy places in the Burren, often connected to Saint Brigid or local monastic traditions.