Clochafarmore
Location: Rathiddy, Co. Louth
Classification: Standing Stone
SMR Code: LH011-020----
Rating:
Clochafarmore is a standing stone situated on the summit of a slight rise in the gently undulating countryside of Rathiddy, County Louth. The stone, which stands at a height of nearly 3 metres, is orientated east-west and leans slightly to east. The site is locally known as 'Cloch an Fhir Mhoir' ('Stone of the Big Man') and is traditionally associated with the death of Cú Chulainn.
The standing stone was erected at an unknown point in the distant past, believed to be during the Bronze Age. The region is known as 'An Breisleach Mór' (The Great Carnage), while the field in which this stone stands is called the Field of Slaughter. In the 1920s a bronze spearhead was found in the field, perhaps showing it to be a genuine ancient battle-site.
According to the legend, Cú Chulainn died after being mortally wounded by a spear, thrown by Lugaid mac Con Róid during a battle against the men of Connacht. Knowing he was dying, Cú Chulainn tied himself to the large stone, known as Clochafarmore (Stone of the Big Man), so that he could still stand and face his enemies. It was only when a raven (the traditional form of The Morrígan) lands on his shoulder, showing him to be dead, that his enemies approached him.
Description
Clochafarmore is a standing stone situated on the summit of a slight rise in the gently undulating countryside of Rathiddy, County Louth. The stone, which stands at a height of nearly 3 metres, is orientated east-west and leans slightly to east. The site is locally known as 'Cloch an Fhir Mhoir' ('Stone of the Big Man') and is traditionally associated with the death of Cú Chulainn.
History
The standing stone was erected at an unknown point in the distant past, believed to be during the Bronze Age. The region is known as 'An Breisleach Mór' (The Great Carnage), while the field in which this stone stands is called the Field of Slaughter. In the 1920s a bronze spearhead was found in the field, perhaps showing it to be a genuine ancient battle-site.
Folklore
According to the legend, Cú Chulainn died after being mortally wounded by a spear, thrown by Lugaid mac Con Róid during a battle against the men of Connacht. Knowing he was dying, Cú Chulainn tied himself to the large stone, known as Clochafarmore (Stone of the Big Man), so that he could still stand and face his enemies. It was only when a raven (the traditional form of The Morrígan) lands on his shoulder, showing him to be dead, that his enemies approached him.
Accessibility Rating: Easy - Moderate
There are no facilities at this site.
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy - Moderate
Facilities
There are no facilities at this site.
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 07:53
Sunset: 18:30
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 07:53
Sunset: 18:30
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