Castlestrange stone

The Castlestrange Stone is rather small when you see it for the first time. Located in the grounds of Castlestrange House nearby the town of Athleague in County Roscommon, this granite boulder dates back to the Iron Age.

The boulder, decorated with spiral design in the La Tene style, is one of four that can be found in Ireland. While the function of these cult stones is not clear, it is presumed that they had a ritual or religious purpose. The stone, with a height of 60cm and a length of 90cm is located under a magnificent tree close to the entrance to the demesne and is poitioned on some pebble stones with a cattle grid placed around it for protection.