The Deer Stone

Situated beside the Glenealo river to the S of St Kevin's Church (WI023-009----). Granite stone (dims. 0.77m x 0.86m x 0.3m) with a single conical basin (diam. 0.28m; D 0.18m). Its name derives from the story that a deer shed its milk in the basin for St Kevin. (OS Name Books; Healy 1972, 113). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008

Probably dates to the Bronze Age, given the presence of a ritual conical basin, which may have been used for ceremonial or votive purposes. The name "Deer Stone" may reflect local folklore or a historical association with deer, possibly indicating a site of significance in ancient hunting or spiritual practices.