Standing stone in Magheramore

Unlocated standing stones or possible stone circle described in the 19th century as 'there were some years ago at Magherymore, close to the town, several of the Druidical upright stones, common in Ireland. The climbing of these stones was heretofore one of the holiday pastimes of the young men of Shinrone. The peasantry looked on them as finger stones of, thrown thither from Binduffe Mountain, by Finn-mac-Coole and his companions in a trial of strength. ' (Cooke 1875, 187). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Probably dating to the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age, this standing stone may have been part of a ritual or ceremonial landscape, potentially linked to druidic or pagan practices as noted in 19th-century descriptions. Its original meaning or use remains unclear, but such stones often marked territorial boundaries or were used in seasonal rituals.