Kilnaruane Pillar Stone, Ancient monolith near Bantry, Ireland
Kilnaruane Pillar Stone is a standing stone monolith about 2 meters tall situated on a drumlin hill within a square stone enclosure. Its northeast and southwest faces display intricate carved designs with religious and everyday imagery.
The pillar likely dates to the 8th or 9th century and relates to an early monastic settlement established near present-day Bantry. It reflects the region's religious importance during the early medieval period.
The southwest face shows carved Celtic patterns, paired sheep with interlocked horns, and a small boat weaving among crosses, reflecting spiritual and daily life imagery.
The stone sits about 1.6 kilometers southwest of Bantry and is reached via the N71 road and a marked footpath from Westlodge Hotel. The site is in open countryside, so weather protection is wise, and access is available year-round.
Mortises carved into both sides indicate the stone once formed part of a high cross structure, while scattered stone fragments nearby suggest other religious buildings once stood at this location.
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