The Castlestrange stone is a granite megalith in the grounds of Castlestrange House, County Roscommon. It is unique in that it features engravings in a style known as “La Tène”, dating from the Iron Age around 500 BC.
Considered a protected national monument, the Castlestrange stone is composed of numerous spiral engravings, similar to those found on Newgrange. Engraved by hand, using tools from the period, it has since been placed on a concrete base, to better protect it from time and the massive influx of visitors.
Easy to access, the site is free and well worth a visit. The stone is quite impressive and rich in mystery: many researchers are still searching for theories to explain this megalith, and its use. Some believe the Castlestrange Stone served as a ritual site, while others tend to think it was simply an ornamental stone.
This megalith is reminiscent of the Turoe Stone, another engraved stone, this time based in Galway.
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