What is recorded here
Standing stone in Gortnavern (gortnavern Ed) is a 1.7m stone in wet Donegal land, leaning slightly east and west. Kinahan saw cup-marks in 1889, but water and time have hidden them again. The bog keeps its secrets close, and the stone still stands like a forgotten witness.
A standing stone c. 1.7m high × 0.45m wide at base × 0.3m maximum thickness; ENE-WSW. Kinahan (1889, 278) noted some cup-marks on the stone but these are not now visible. Situated in wet, boggy land sloping gently down to S.
The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.
Date of upload: 22 September 2008
Probably dates to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, given the presence of cup-marks previously recorded, which are commonly associated with ritual or ceremonial practices. Its orientation and location may have had symbolic or astronomical significance, though specific folklore or use is not recorded.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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