Ritual site

Embedded in the ground to NE of the centre of a graveyard (SL021-025002-). The stone is a square slab (0.88m x 0.88m; H 0.23m) the top of which has been shaped into a circular disc (diam. 0.8m) with a flat smooth surface rising 0.04m proud of the square base. According to tradition, the stone, which is known as a 'straining stone', has curative powers for sprains. The cure was effected by a length of string or thread that was wound around the raised circular part of the stone. The visitor to the stone removed the thread and tied it to the afflicted limb continuing to wear it until healed. Before leaving the visitor had to tie a replacement thread to the stone. A similar stone (SL021-011003-) is located at Killerry, c. 3.5km to NE. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008

This stone is traditionally associated with a local saint or holy person, though the name has not been recorded; such stones were often linked to early Christian practices or local legends of healing and protection. The circular shaping of the stone may reflect ritual significance, possibly connected to pre-Christian or early Christian customs of marking sacred space or facilitating communal worship.