What is recorded here

Wright saw a monumental pillar in Balregan during the eighteenth century, but modern road works removed the last physical proof. A shallow pit remains where the stone may have stood, empty of markers or bones. The landscape keeps the shape of the loss rather than the glory of the monument.

Stone described as a 'monumental pillar' (Wright 1758, Book 3, p. 7-8, Pl. 1, Site I). No visible trace survives. Excavations in advance of the 'M1 Dundalk Western Bypass - Northern Link' (Excavation Licence No. 03E0157) uncovered a pit (L 3.4m; Wth 2.5m; D 0.45m) which the excavator suggests may have represented the socket from a standing stone as described by Wright above. No finds were recovered from this pit. (O'Donnchadha B. 2005; O'Donnchadha B. 2006, 324) References: O'Donnchadha B. 2005 Dundalk Western Bypass: Site 116: Balregan 1 Chainage 23.470 - 22.600 Post-Excavation assessment and updated project design on behalf of Louth County Council and the National Roads Authority, Licence Number 03E0157. Unpublished Report DAHG, Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd. O'Donnchadha B. 2006 'Balregan Henge' in I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2003: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 324 (No. 1221). Bray. Wordwell Wright, T. 1758 Louthiana: or an introduction to the antiquities of Ireland. London. Thomas Payne. Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 23 November 2011

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.