Standing stone in Garranmore (youghalarra Par.)

On a lower break of a N-facing slope in hilly upland terrain, gently sloping down to the shores of Lough Derg to the N. The standing stone is located halfway down a grassy field likely to be used for silage. Excellent view of Lough Derg to the N, some hills visible to the NE, but the view is very limited to the W, and blocked by the rising slope to the S.  A standing stone with the long axis oriented E-W, composed of a grey sandstone conglomerate, with quartz pebble inclusions (H 1.14m on the upslope to 1.38m on the downslope). It is covered with quite a lot of moss and some lichen, particularly on its E and S sides. It is roughly square in plan (max Wth at base 0.90m x 0.97m), though the base appears as an irregular hexagon (Wth N 0.66m; NE 0.16m; E 0.64m; SE 0.22m; S 0.70m; W 0.77m). In profile the stone curves towards the W, which appears to be its natural shape, rather than as a result of the stone leaning over time. The top of the stone tapers to a triangle, which comes to a point on the W side.    Compiled by: Anne-Julie Lafaye

Probably dates to the Late Neolithic or Bronze Age, given the upland location and visibility typical of ritual or territorial markers. It may have had ceremonial significance, possibly linked to the nearby water body, Lough Derg, which features in local folklore and ancient traditions.