Stone sculpture in Cahircalla Beg

On a SW-facing slope in a clearing in hazel scrub with some rock outcrop and mature trees. The pilgrim route along the ‘Rocky Road’ runs N-S c. 100m to the W. A carved face is sculpted in relief on the N face of a large gable-shaped earthfast limestone boulder (H 2.1m; Wth at base 2.4m; T 0.7m) beneath a large oak tree. It was found and reported by Anthony McMahon. The face (overall H 0.4m; Wth 0.25m) appears to be medieval and is of a bearded man with raised eyebrows. The eyes are bulbous and the right eye (as viewed) has small (c. 0.01m) oval hollow to one side as though the face is looking to the left. Parallel lines/grooves are chiselled beneath the eyes, more prominently at the right side but present on both sides. The nose, the area above the eyes and the forehead all form a distinct Maltese-type cross made more prominent by the whiteness of the lichen which occurs elsewhere also on the boulder. The mouth is downturned, there is a broad downturned moustache and a long beard that comes to a point. Some bulbous protrusions beneath the face and to the left may represent more carving but could not be deciphered. Two other large flattish boulders lie in front of the face and one to the rear has natural hollows that collect rainwater. The presence of such a carving of medieval date on a boulder is very unusual. The carving was definitely made in site and there may be an association with the adjacent pilgrim route. The gable-shaped boulder is reminiscent of a church gable. No other carvings were noted on any of the other boulders.   Compiled by: Mary Tunney   Date of upload: 11 November 2025

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the carved face may have had a spiritual or symbolic function, possibly linked to the nearby pilgrim route. Interpretations of such imagery often include associations with deities, ancestors, or protective figures in local tradition.