St. Broghans Stone

Large limestone boulder now broken across the area of the basin (D 0.15m,diam. 0.25m) and situated in corner of field SW of church (OF027-008002-). Cairn (OF027-008003-) marked beside it does not now exist and maybe the same as one that is marked on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map to the W. Originally located to the SE of Clonsast Church (OF027-008002-) as marked on OS 6-inch map but now located to SW of the church where a destroyed cairn (OF027-009003-) was located. Large limestone boulder now broken across the area of the basin (D 0.15m; diam 0.25m) which according to Comerford (1883, 124-5) was formed by the impression of the saints head and which was resorted to for the purpose of the cure of a head-ache. 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

St. Broghans Stone is likely associated with the early Christian period, possibly erected as a holy or ritual site linked to Saint Broghan. The broken basin-like feature may have been used for ceremonial or practical purposes, and the former cairn suggests it was once a more prominent religious or memorial monument.