Bullaun stone in Aghowle Lower (shillelagh By.)

Situated on a level area on a gentle W-facing slope. Aghowle Romanesque church (WI042-019001-) was built on the site of a monastery reputed to have been founded by St. Finden in the sixth century. In the graveyard (WI042-019003-) is St Finden's high cross (WI042-019002-) (Harbison 1992, 10). The curving graveyard may respect the line of an original ecclesiastical enclosure (WI042-019004-). Situated 100m to the SE of the site is an earthfast granite bullaun stone (dims. 1.8m x 1.2m) with four basins (WI042-019005-). Bullaun stone described by Corlett (2019) as following; 'The stone consists of a low-level, earthfast granite boulder. The stone is aligned WNW-ESE, and measures 2m long, 1.15m wide and stands some 40cm high. The southern side of the stone falls gradually, whereas the northern side is nearly vertical. The bowls are arranged in a roughly linear pattern across the length of the stone. The eastern-most bowl is placed at the corner of the stone and measures 30cm x 31cm across and 22cm deep. Near this one is a large bowl placed on the edge of the stone. The bowl is 30cm across and 39cm deep. The bowl is open on the side where it meets the edge of the stone. However, it is possible that this northern edge of the stone has been cut away, which may explain the vertical face along this side of the stone. The bowl at the western end is 25cm x 27cm across and 13.5cm deep, and next to this one is a fourth bowl that is 28cm x 31cm across and 16cm deep.' The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Chris Corlett and Claire Breen Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett Date of revised upload: 12 March 2020

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the bullaun stone may have been used for ritual purposes, possibly in connection with the nearby monastic site. Such stones are often associated with Christian or pre-Christian ceremonial practices, including the anointing of sick or the blessing of relics.