Turoe Ritual Stone, Co. Galway
Location :
31 miles W of Galway city to Loughrea town , then approx. 2.5
miles N on the R 350 road to Bullaun village from Loughrea town.
At this point you have to go up a gravel road to a farmhouse (300 yds.).
Ask at the farmhouse to see the stone in the adjacent field and
don't forget to sign the visitor's book. There are names here from
all over the world. Partly signposted. There may be an admission
fee.
Features :
This world famous 'La Tene' cuvilinear-styled ritual stone used
back in Celtic times is absolutely superbly carved. All over its
granite surface there are trumpet swirls and a greek inspired
central waist band. Note the circular grill on the ground to prevent
the cattle using the stone as a scratching post. Here I show you
120 ° shots. The stone bears a remarkable resemblance
to the ritual stone found at the oracle in Delphi, Greece and
therefore has some association with the Celtic cross 'Omphalos'
symbolism.
Date :
Could be late 5th. or early 6th. century A.D.
© Paul Griffin, 2000
