Clonfinlough Stone, Bronze Age rock art on Esker Hill near Clonmacnoise, Ireland.
The Clonfinlough Stone is a large limestone block on Esker Hill bearing various carved patterns across its surface. The carvings display crosses, cup marks, and foot impressions worked into the rock.
The stone dates from the Bronze Age, making it between 3500 and 2500 years old. Archaeological excavations in the area revealed a settlement with a large palisaded enclosure and circular houses once stood nearby.
The stone features carvings similar to those found in Galicia, and its location near an ancient pilgrimage route connects it to centuries of spiritual journeys through this region. The markings reflect beliefs and practices that held meaning for people who lived in and passed through this area.
You can reach the stone via a marked path starting from St Kieran's Church, making access straightforward for most visitors. A small parking area for a couple of vehicles sits nearby along the roadside.
The surface displays three foot impressions and the letters DOD, alongside a split-year sign showing a circle divided into two sections. This mix of symbols is uncommon and makes this stone particularly intriguing for visitors interested in examining carved inscriptions closely.
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