What is recorded here

St. Patricks Chair & Knee Mark is a large natural boulder in County Mayo, Ireland, bearing one of the finest collections of petroglyphs in Ireland. More than 250 cup, ring and keyhole marks cover about four square metres of its surfaces, with a further panel exposed in 2015. The carvings have also been linked to a rolling-sun idea, where the setting sun appears to glide down Croagh Patrick on two dates each year. A person sitting beside it at dusk might have seen that movement and marked the stone in wonder.

The Boheh stone is a national monument in State ownership (no. 530). A large natural boulder of out-cropping rock, it is known locally and recorded on OS maps as ‘St Patrick’s Chair & Knee Mark’. The stone bears one of the finest collection of petroglyphs in Ireland spread out over an area c. 4m square. The motifs, over 250 in number, have been carved on all surfaces of the stone at various levels (van Hoek 1993) and mainly take the form of ‘cup’, ‘cup and rings’ and ‘keyhole’ designs. The carvings have formed the basis of a ‘rolling sun’ thesis (Bracken and Wayman 1992; Van Hoek 1993) where the setting sun appears to glide or roll down the north flank of Croagh Patrick around two particular dates during the year (18th April and 24th August). A further panel of art was exposed on the stone in 2015. (Kinahan 1878-9; Bracken and Wayman 1992; Van Hoek 1993; Morahan 2001, 28-9) See attached screenshots of 3D model of the rock art panel created by Digital Heritage Age. 3D model can be accessed on the Sketchfab website at: https://skfb.ly/6sW66 Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 29 June 2015

Probably dating to the early Christian period, the stone is associated with St. Patrick and may mark a site of pilgrimage or legend related to his travels in the region. The name suggests a tradition of holy or miraculous activity linked to the saint.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.