Bullaun stone in Srahanboy

Reference to church site and graveyard (LA010-002002-). which was used for the burial of unbaptized children and within which was a bush known as the 'Burying Bush' (LA010-002003-). Close by lay a holy water stone, a font or bullaun stone (LA010-002004-) (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 150). Described as a rough limestone block with round artificial basin (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 150). No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Likely dating to the early Christian period, the bullaun stone may have been used for the ritual purification of holy water. Its proximity to a burial site for unbaptized children suggests a spiritual or protective function in local Christian or prehistoric tradition.