Aghade Holed Stone
Location: Aghade, Co. Carlow
Classification: Holed Stone
SMR Code: CW013-034----
Rating:
The Aghade Holed Stone lies at a slant propped up by a small wall at the edge of a field. It is a large rectangular stone, standing 2.4m high, 1.6m wide and 45cm deep. The slab's unusual feature is a 32cm diameter hole that goes right through the upper centre of the stone. It is believed that initially the slab would have stood upright and served as the entrance stone of a megalithic tomb. The hole could have served as a small entrance to the chamber for making offerings to the dead.
The stone features in the story of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a 5th century Irish King. According to the 14th century Book of Ballymote, Niall tied Eochu - son of the King of Leinster - to the stone, by passing a chain through the hole. However, Eochu somehow broke free and killed all of the nine hostages, that Niall had sent to kill him. Years later, it is said that Eochu eventually killed Niall in revenge.
Aghade (or Áth Fhád in Irish, meaning 'long ford') was historically, as the name indicates, a 'ford' or crossing place of the river Slaney. In the 17th and 18th century the stone was used for the curing of ill-health. It is said, that sickly children would be passed through the hole in hope of being cured of their ailment.
Description
The Aghade Holed Stone lies at a slant propped up by a small wall at the edge of a field. It is a large rectangular stone, standing 2.4m high, 1.6m wide and 45cm deep. The slab's unusual feature is a 32cm diameter hole that goes right through the upper centre of the stone. It is believed that initially the slab would have stood upright and served as the entrance stone of a megalithic tomb. The hole could have served as a small entrance to the chamber for making offerings to the dead.
History
The stone features in the story of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a 5th century Irish King. According to the 14th century Book of Ballymote, Niall tied Eochu - son of the King of Leinster - to the stone, by passing a chain through the hole. However, Eochu somehow broke free and killed all of the nine hostages, that Niall had sent to kill him. Years later, it is said that Eochu eventually killed Niall in revenge.
Folklore
Aghade (or Áth Fhád in Irish, meaning 'long ford') was historically, as the name indicates, a 'ford' or crossing place of the river Slaney. In the 17th and 18th century the stone was used for the curing of ill-health. It is said, that sickly children would be passed through the hole in hope of being cured of their ailment.
Accessibility Rating: Easy
Situated on the N81, South of Tullow and is signposted. The stone located about 100m into the field opposite the field opposite the sign.
There are no facilities at this monument
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
Situated on the N81, South of Tullow and is signposted. The stone located about 100m into the field opposite the field opposite the sign.
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 07:52
Sunset: 18:33
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 07:52
Sunset: 18:33
Users should note that the Monumental Ireland application and website are information guides only and do not act as an invitation to enter any of the properties or sites listed. No responsibility is accepted by the creators of the Monumental Ireland application for any loss, injury or inconveniences sustained as a result of using it.
