The Turoe Stone
Decorated ritual stone
Standing at around 3 feet high the granite boulder known as the Turoe stone is a beautifully decorated phallic stone, the top half is covered with a curvilinear design typical of the Celtic art style known as La Tene, this dates the stone to around the 1st to 3rd centuries B C, the middle is decorated with a form of Greek key. The patterns are carved in relief using a technique known as poking.
The Turoe stone is one of the finest examples of these ritual stones in Europe, there is another ritual stone at Castlestrange, Co Roscommon also decorated with a curvilinear design, but this stone is incised rather than carved in relief. Although known as the Turoe stone this is not the original location, the stone was removed from an Iron Age ring fort, the Rath of Feerwore a few miles away.
Drawing showing Curvilinear design
Situated: About 5 miles North of Loughrea Co Galway. Take the R350 North from Loughrea towards New Inn as you come into the village of Bullaun you take a left turn (signposted Turoe stone). The stone is situated on a Pet farm about 1/2 mile up this road on the right hand side.
NOTE: Since my last visit the Turoe Stone has been housed in a small hut for protection. The office of public works are hoping to move the stone to a museum to preserve the carvings. Unfortunately at present the stone can only be viewed through two dirty windows on the north side of this hut. You may be disappointed if you visit.
Discovery Map 46: M 626 225. Latest update 1st June 2009
Photos: Jim Dempsey.