Overview
The Aghade Holed Stone, known in Irish as Cloch an Phoill (“the stone of the hole”), dominates the quiet countryside two miles south of Tullow in the townland of Aghade, County Carlow. This granite monolith measures roughly 2.4 m long, 1.56 m wide and 0.46 m thick, weighing close to 5 tonnes. A perfectly round aperture, 0.32 m (32 cm) in diameter, pierces the stone about halfway up its side, giving the monument its name.
Set on a modest rise beside the River Slaney, the stone leans slightly and is now propped up for stability. It is a National Monument under the guardianship of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and can be seen from the roadside via a small turnstile and lay‑by.
Coordinates: 52.770101° N, 6.746804° W.
History
Archaeologists believe the stone originally formed the doorway to a prehistoric megalithic tomb. The aperture would have allowed offerings of food or other objects to be passed to the dead, a practice common at Neolithic ritual sites.
Later folklore links the stone to Niall of the Nine Hostages, the legendary 5th‑century High King of Ireland. The 14th‑century Book of Ballymote records a tale in which Niall tied the 5th‑century Leinster king Eochaid to the stone and sent nine men to kill him – a story that underlines the stone’s reputation as a place of power and danger.
From the 18th century onward, locals believed the stone possessed healing powers. Sick infants were passed through the hole in the hope of curing illness or ensuring good health. This custom persisted well into the 19th century, making the stone a focal point of community ritual.
The surrounding landscape also bears early Christian significance. The name Aghade derives from Áth Fhádhad, a historic fording point on the Slaney where the early missionary Iserninus is thought to have founded a church around AD 468, contemporaneous with St Patrick.
What to See & Do
- Thread the aperture – Bring a small ribbon or piece of cloth and try passing it through the hole, echoing the ancient healing rite.
- Riverside walk – A gentle, well‑marked path runs along the River Slaney for about 2 km, offering pleasant views of water, farmland and occasional wildlife.
- Historic Environment Viewer – An interactive map provided by the OPW lets you explore archaeological details and nearby monuments. Access it here: Historic Environment Viewer.
- Heritage Card – The OPW encourages visitors to use a Heritage Card for unlimited access to sites across the country. More information is available at the OPW’s Heritage Card page.
Practical Information
- Admission: Free – open year‑round.
- Access: The site is reached via the N81 just south of Tullow. A small lay‑by with a turnstile marks the parking area; there is space for a few cars.
- Facilities: No restrooms or visitor centre on‑site. The nearest amenities (toilets, café, shop) are in Tullow, a short drive away.
- Safety: The area is unguided and can be slippery when wet. Keep to the path and watch your step.
- Opening hours: As an outdoor monument there are no formal hours; you may visit at any time.
- Website: Heritage Ireland – Aghade Holed Stone.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, consider adding these sites to your itinerary:
- Aghade Bridge – a historic stone bridge crossing the Slaney just a short walk downstream.
- Brownshill Dolmen – a massive portal tomb with a massive capstone, about 15 km north‑west.
- Bagenalstown – a lively riverside town on the Barrow with shops, cafés and a heritage trail.
- Clashganny Forest – a short drive east offers forest walks and birdwatching.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty and mythic history that makes the Aghade Holed Stone a memorable stop on any Irish itinerary.