The Holestone, Doagh

Image: © Robert Ashby Taken: 24 Apr 2013

The Holestone is a Neolithic standing stone with a hole carved through it, one of just a few existing in Ireland. It is sited on top of a rocky outcrop with a commanding view over the countryside and was probably meant to be seen from afar. Unfortunately, whin bushes had grown up around it effectively hiding the stone from view though these were cut down a couple of years ago but are starting to grow back. An interpretive panel was installed just by the gate into the field, where the information could be easily read then was moved back to just below the rock where it was more difficult to see. On my latest visit on 25th April 2013 the panel had been moved again and placed alongside the high hedge bordering the road where it now can't be seen at all without entering the field! This is on private land and though generally accessible to the public often has cattle and sheep grazing there so that neither the panel nor the stone itself can be visited.

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