What is recorded here

Bullaun is a globular conglomerate boulder in County Clare, Ireland, marked on the 1916 OS map and set beside a burial ground. It holds one circular hollow deep enough to catch rain, milk, or a child’s small hand. The stone was moved from east of the farmhouse to its present lane, suggesting people valued it enough to carry rather than bury or break. Its smooth depth and repeated naming imply it served more than decoration, perhaps as a measure, marker, or witness for the living and dead alike.

On a farm lane c. 65m E of ‘Kilranaghan’ enclosure (CL017-104002-) and burial ground (CL017-104----). Marked and labelled ‘Bullaun’ on the Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. A globular conglomerate boulder (L 0.7m; Wth 0.65m; H. 0.4m) with a single circular hollow (diam. 0.36-0.38m; D 0.15m). The monument originally lay to the E of the farmhouse before being moved to its present location. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Eve Campbell Date of upload: 21-10-2025

Dated to the early Christian or medieval period, bullauns were often used for ritual purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or as pilgrimage sites. Local folklore may associate the stone with saintly figures or healing traditions.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.