This holed stone is reputedly the grave of the Viking Prince Aralt who was killed by Brian Boru’s army at the Battle of Glen Mama in 999. This battle was among the most decisive in Boru’s long campaign against the Vikings. The historian J. F. Shearman has identified a nearby valley as the battlefield.
Although not much is known about this landmark, it is of interest because it brings together three traditions of belief. The pagan standing stone has been surmounted by the metal cross, symbolising the triumph of Christianity over earlier beliefs. However, the placing of the ‘lucky’ horseshoe on the cross indicates the continuance of superstition, entwined with Christian beliefs in this area.
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