Considerable damage was caused to the Deerstone, a stone over 1,000 years old. Considered a priceless piece of history, it belongs to the vast monastic complex of Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland, said to have been founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. The damage appears to be irreversible, and has prompted the opening of a police investigation.
This is a major blow for County Wicklow. One of its most beautiful tourist sites, Glendalough, has just been the victim of a deliberate act of vandalism. The Deerstone, a historic stone on the site, cracked after unidentified individuals set fire to it.
According to the authorities, the fire caused 4 deep cracks. A considerable problem, since this winter, water seeping in could literally split the stone into several parts!
Impossible to restore, the stone should remain as it is, much to the dismay of the Irish, who are very attached to the Deerstone.
The much loved & fabled Deerstone near the monastic City of Glendalough was damaged by persons unknown. This bullaun stone has remained intact for centuries.
Report criminal damage to the Duty Ranger of the National Park on 087-9803899 or directly to the Gardai. pic.twitter.com/Af0Y4Skn1w
— Mountain to Glen The Podcast (@MountaintoGlen) August 8, 2023
In addition to being over 1,000 years old, this stone has an incredible legend. According to the Irish, it all began when the monastery was being built. A widowed man, carrying his baby in his arms, reportedly approached Saint Kevin to ask for work and help feeding his child.
Compassionate, the saint is said to have prayed for a doe to come every morning and leave fresh milk in the hollow of a stone to feed the child. A miracle then occurred: the child survived, much to his father’s delight.
Since then, this famous hollow stone has been christened “Deerstone”, in reference to the legend.
In any case, the Irish authorities have launched an investigation into the damage caused. The search for the culprits is underway, and scientists are currently working on ways to slow the stone’s degradation, which could accelerate with next winter’s frost.
Communication campaigns could also be set up to make visitors to the site more aware of the fragility of Glendalough and its age-old stones.
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