Ballycrovane Ogham Stone
Location: Ballycrovane, Co. Cork
Classification: Ogham Stone
SMR Code: CO102-013----
Rating:
At 5.3 meters in height, Ballycrovane Ogham Stone is the tallest Ogham Stone in the World. The stone stands on the top of a hill with views over Kenmare Bay. Like a lot of Ogham Stones it's believed this stone itself stood for some time before the Ogham inscription was carved into it, between the 3rd and 5th century A.D. The Ogham inscription which runs up the side of the stone reads 'MAQI-DECCEDDAS AVI TURANIAS', which translates as 'Mac Deich Uí Turainn' or 'Son of Deich the descendant of Turainn'.
It is not known to whom the inscription refers - there are a few other ogham stones with the same inscription - therefore it seems highly unlikely it was used as a grave marker for a specific individual. It is possible that it refers to the ancient sea-faring Deisi tribe. Records show them living in the Munster region around 300 A.D. and this monument could be a territorial marker of theirs. What the standing stone may have signified prior to the carving of the ogham script is also unknown. However, due to the number of ancient burials found in the area and by virtue of its position close to the shoreline perhaps it was a way of marking an important trading place or route.
To access the stone you have to go through the entrance to a farm and out through a gate at the corner of the back-yard, permission should be sought from the owners of the land.
Description
At 5.3 meters in height, Ballycrovane Ogham Stone is the tallest Ogham Stone in the World. The stone stands on the top of a hill with views over Kenmare Bay. Like a lot of Ogham Stones it's believed this stone itself stood for some time before the Ogham inscription was carved into it, between the 3rd and 5th century A.D. The Ogham inscription which runs up the side of the stone reads 'MAQI-DECCEDDAS AVI TURANIAS', which translates as 'Mac Deich Uí Turainn' or 'Son of Deich the descendant of Turainn'.
History
It is not known to whom the inscription refers - there are a few other ogham stones with the same inscription - therefore it seems highly unlikely it was used as a grave marker for a specific individual. It is possible that it refers to the ancient sea-faring Deisi tribe. Records show them living in the Munster region around 300 A.D. and this monument could be a territorial marker of theirs. What the standing stone may have signified prior to the carving of the ogham script is also unknown. However, due to the number of ancient burials found in the area and by virtue of its position close to the shoreline perhaps it was a way of marking an important trading place or route.
Folklore
To access the stone you have to go through the entrance to a farm and out through a gate at the corner of the back-yard, permission should be sought from the owners of the land.
Gallery
Accessibility Rating: Easy
To access the stone you have to go through the entrance to a farm and out through a gate at the corner of the back-yard, permission should be sought from the owners of the land.
There are no facilities at this monument
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
To access the stone you have to go through the entrance to a farm and out through a gate at the corner of the back-yard, permission should be sought from the owners of the land.
Facilities
There are no facilities at this monument
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 08:03
Sunset: 18:47
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 08:03
Sunset: 18:47
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