Blocc & Bluigne

Blocc & Bluigne

Location: Castleboy, Co. Meath

Classification: Standing Stone - Pair

SMR Code: ME031-033019-

Rating:

In the graveyard of the old church at Tara there are 2 stones which are much older than the gravestones that surround them. Known as Blocc & Bluigne, they are a perfect example of the male & female principles that can be found in many stone pairs or gateway stones. The smaller more rounded pillar (Blocc) is the male of the pair and stands at a height of .75m. The taller squared pillar (Bluigne), stands at 1.88m and has a Sheela-na-Gig carved onto its east face.

Description

In the graveyard of the old church at Tara there are 2 stones which are much older than the gravestones that surround them. Known as Blocc & Bluigne, they are a perfect example of the male & female principles that can be found in many stone pairs or gateway stones. The smaller more rounded pillar (Blocc) is the male of the pair and stands at a height of .75m. The taller squared pillar (Bluigne), stands at 1.88m and has a Sheela-na-Gig carved onto its east face.

History

According to the 12th Century Dindsenchas, the Hill of Tara originally had four stones: Blocc to the south, Bluigne to the north, Moel to the East and the Lia Fail to the west. Moel has since vanished. In the early Christian histories, it was noted that there once stood a monument called "The Cross of Adamnan" commemorating a 7th-century saint who called a church synod at Tara to enact laws that gave greater rights to women. Some believe that this stone is actually Bluigne.

Folklore

Traditionally these stones formed the ancient gateway to Ráth na Ríogh (The Fort of the Kings) on the Hill of Tara. According to mythology, the stones were supposed to stand so close together, that ones' hand could only pass sideways between them. They would only part for the rightful king to drive his chariot through them and on toward the Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny) to complete his inauguration.

This monument is part of a Complex

Image

Hill of Tara

Location: Castleboy, Co. Meath

View this Complex

This monument is part of a Complex

Image

Hill of Tara

View this Complex

Accessibility Rating: Easy

Access to the Hill of Tara is open all year around. Facilities at the visitor centre include an audio-visual show, while guided tours of the Hill of Tara are available on request. For more details contact +353 46 9025903

Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy

Access to the Hill of Tara is open all year around. Facilities at the visitor centre include an audio-visual show, while guided tours of the Hill of Tara are available on request. For more details contact +353 46 9025903

Facilities

Car parking. Visitors Centre.

Map

Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:37

Sunset: 16:34

Directions

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Weather

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 08:37

Sunset: 16:34

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