Cloch an Phoill

The Cloch an Phoill is a huge pillarstone with a circular hole pierced through it. It is believed the stone was used as a seal or blocking stone for a megalithic tomb some four thousand years ago and the hole was used to pass food through to the dead after the tomb had been closed. The hole is around 30 cms in diameter and as late as the eighteenth century sick children were passed through the hole as a cure. According to legend the stone is also associated with Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Situated: In Aghade about three and a half kilometres south of Tullow on the Eastern side of the N81. The Stone is well sign-posted and lies in a field, just to the north of a large Gateway there is a gap in the hedge to allow access to visitors.

Discovery Map 61: S 846 695. Last visit December 2002.

Photos: Jim Dempsey