What is recorded here

The standing stone in Carha, County Mayo, is the tallest marker on a small hillock that commands panoramic views framed by the Ox Mountains and Nephin. Its rectangular slab still leans slightly east, with a boulder wedged against its north base, while a possible levelled mound lies nearby. People may have climbed this sharp-edged hill to watch weather come from the sea or to mark a boundary visible for miles.

Prominently sited on a hillock which forms the highest point in the surrounding undulating landscape, and provides panoramic views, framed by the Ox Mountains at E-S, with Nephin and the Nephin Beg Range to SW-W. The hill, which may have been modified to form an enclosure (MA031-011001-), is defined by a steep slope on the W side, with a more gradual fall of ground to E. It overlooks a flat expanse of wettish pasture to W. Not indicated on the 1837-8 OS 6-inch map, but shown as ‘Standing stone’ on the 1922 edition. Upright stone slab (H 1.2; Wth 0.54m; 0.3m), rectangular in shape and in cross-section, with long axis oriented NNW-SSE. The top of the stone slopes down from N to S. The W face is slightly concave towards its base, and the E face is slightly convex. The stone now leans to E. A small boulder is wedged against base on N side. A possible mound (MA031-010----), now levelled, is located c. 95m to SW. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 13 June 2018

Likely dating to the Late Neolithic or Bronze Age, the stone's prominent position suggests it may have had ceremonial, territorial, or astronomical significance. No specific folklore or recorded use has been associated with the site.

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