What is recorded here

Holed stones are among the oldest medical instruments in Europe: people inserted limbs through the small opening, believing the stone would draw out fever or ease pain. In Caherurlagh the slab lies half buried on the ridge beside the ringfort, its circular hole still visible in the weathered surface. The stone may have belonged to the fortress itself, a practical aid for warriors and families before hospitals existed. It is not a decorative feature; it is a healing tool that time forgot.

On top of a E-W ridge on S-facing slope, at E side of ringfort (CO138-002001-). Fallen, partially embedded slab (L 2.35m; min. 0.8m x 0.12m) with circular hole (diam. 0.14m). According to Weir (1980, 113), stone used for healing purposes. According to local information, the stone was re-erected sometime in the last 20 years (prior 2023. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 June 2023 Image uploaded courtesy of Clíodhna O’Leary (archaeologist) This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 83/1939).

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