St Olans Stone

Outside N perimeter of early ecclesiastical enclosure (9199). Boulder (H 0.6m; 0.66m x 0.7m) with two depressions on its upper surface, believed to be St. Olan's footprints. One of three stations, the others are St. Olan's Well (9271) and St. Olan's Cap (7959) at which rounds are paid on St. Olan's day (Sept. 5th). Stone moved c. 1985 to within adjacent graveyard (9523). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 Images provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

St. Olan's Stone at Coolineagh is associated with St. Olan (or Olan), a 7th-century Irish saint and companion of St. Brigid, believed to have founded a monastery in Kildare. The stone's two depressions are traditionally interpreted as the saint's footprints, linked to pilgrimage or devotional practices at the site.