On the road to Dunloe there's an area fenced with a railing to protect 8 ogham stones gathered and arranged in a semicircle. They are of various shape, size and colour, but they all carry clear ogham inscriptions. Seven of them were found in a nearby souterrain at Coolmagort where they had been reused as lintels for the roof. Having been away from the elements for such a long time has saved them from the weathering. Apparently the first stone from the left as you enter the enclosure came from Kilbonane, a ruinous church about 3.5 km northwest. They were all brought here in the 19th century.
The linear distance from the first to last one stone is 9 metres. The tallest one is leaning against a concrete support and faces to the west (270°).
Some of them are so beautifully preserved and looking that took my breath away.
They are not where the OS map says they are.
|