Ogham stone in Tralee

This stone was discovered during archaeological works carried out at this location in 1995. It appeared to have been placed there in modern times and its original provenance is unknown (SMR file). Markings on the stone were considered to represent a possible ogham inscription. The stone is in Kerry County Museum (Reg. No. KCM/18/2009; see KE029-326----). It was registered as a Historic Monument in 1995 under Section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987. This is a sandstone pillar, roughly square in section, tapering towards the top. It is very badly eroded and spalled. No ogham scores are visible on the sinister side due to wear and spalling. Ogham scores are visible on the right hand angle (dexter side) close to the top of the stone and can be read as follows: two very faint strokes crossing the angle of the stone (G) followed by two more strokes crossing the angle (G); there is a significant gap after this, followed by D IOC which reasonably clear; this is followed immediately by 5 very faint Q strokes which are followed by three vowel notches, possibly U. While nothing intelligible can be made from this reading the stone is clearly a much damaged ogham stone with a series of letters surviving. Allowing for the fact that some of the letters are very worn the inscription can be tentatively be read as follows: G G………..DIOC Q U (pers. comm. Fionnbarr Moore). Compiled by: Nora White Date of upload: 20 June 2017