Boa Island

Carved figures

In Caldragh cemetery on Boa Island, Lower Lough Erne stand two unique stone carvings. The larger of these is a Janus like figure, two figures back to back with pear shaped heads and interlacing between the heads representing hair. It is believed the carving may represent a Celtic Deity rather than a roman one, possibly the female goddess Badhbha, after whom the island may have been named. The east face, pictured below left, is carved with a penis and represents the male side of the carving, and the west face, pictured below right, is believed to be a female with her tongue sticking out. Both of these carving are in high relief. The base, pictured in the foreground below, was dicovered buried in the graveyard at a later date.

The smaller figure which is known as "the Lustyman" because it was found on the nearby island Lusty More, may also be a female figure. The carvings appear to have weathered quite a lot in recent years. For more information and to view some images taken in the seventies visit Anthony Weirs website Irishmegaliths.org.uk

Situated: In the Caldragh cemetery on Boa Island County Fermanagh. From Fermanagh town take the A32 North, then the B82 for about 10 kilometres then drive onto Boa Island (sign-posted). The cemetery at Caldragh is also sign-posted on your left about 2 kilometres down this road.

Discovery Map 12: H 0845 620 0. Last visit Sept 2010.

Longitude: 7° 52' 10" W

Latitude:  54° 30' 23" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.

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