What is recorded here

Standing stone in Ballynamona (ballycowan By.) stands on a low hillock in County Offaly, Ireland. A large recumbent sandstone boulder rests above smaller embedded stones, with skeletal remains found beneath its west side in 1935. The stone may have stood erect for centuries before falling, keeping watch over the land and the dead it once concealed.

On a natural low hillock with good views in all directions. Large recumbent irregular shaped sandstone boulder (2.1m E-W x 1.3m N-S; T 0.4m avg.) resting on top of smaller stones which are embedded into the ground. Skeletal remains found underneath standing stone on its W side in 1935 (Duignan 1935). According to Stanley (1870-71, 27-9) the stone was erect (H 6ft) with evidence of packing stones at its base. Described by Stanley as 'There is a 'clug stucogh' on Mr. Belton's land in Ballynamona, near Durrow. It is a massive conglomerate, stands about six feet high, and has other sandstones gathered to its base to keep it steady (Stanley 1870-71, 28). 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

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this standing stone may have had ceremonial or territorial significance. Its positioning on a prominent hillock suggests it was used as a marker or for ritual purposes, possibly linked to local landscape features or astronomical alignments.

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