St. Bridgets Stone

Bullaun stone (Wth c. 0.8m, H c. 1m; T c. 0.6m) with depression (diam. 0.3m, D 0.13m) in E face, and known as St Bridget's stone, lies in S end of graveyard (LA034-004002-). Described by Carrigan as 'St. Bridget's Bush (LA034-004005-) still blooms beside the graveyard (LA034-004002-) and bears the usual ex votos. At the foot of the bush is "St. Bridgets Stone", which is evidently a holy water stone, but one of the rudest imaginable, being nothing more than a rough, uneven boulder, 3 ft. by 2 and a half feet and 2 ft. thick, with an artifical hollow 11 in. in diameter and 5 in. deep (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 342). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

St. Bridget's Stone is likely associated with the early Christian period and may have had ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to the veneration of St. Bridget or earlier prehistoric traditions. The bullaun stone's basin may have been used for ceremonial purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or as a site for offerings.