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Prehistoric Sites
Prehistoric monuments in the vicinity of Baltimore appear to
have been demolished, but you can still see some on Sherkin
and Cape Clear.
There is an ancient stone on Slievemore, a hill on the western
side of Sherkin, and several souterrains or underground tunnels
have been discovered nearby. An interesting booklet to read
on this subject is "Sketches of Ancient Carbery",
by Jack Roberts.
On Cape Clear there are still several sites of interest to those
fascinated by the past. Several underground tunnels or souterrains
have been discovered and stories of the island refer to the
existence of many more. One stone that will easily be found
by any visitor is St. Kieran's stone, situated not many feet
from its original situation near the well and shrine dedicated
to the island's patron saint. The stone has been inscribed with
three crosses, two vertical ones carved into the stone on each
side and another relief on the top. Whether St. Kieran actually
carved the stone is not precisely known, but being a native
of the island it seems likely he would have honoured the new
religion in his traditional fashion and erected a stone to the
new God.
The most curious stones to be found at the present time are
found at the eastern end of the island in the town land of Comolán.
Originally four stones stood upright here but one has completely
fallen and another rests against the largest of the presently
upright stones. One of these is called Cloch na Geallona, the
Trysting Stone, because of the hole bored through it which was
anciently used to seal the vow of betrothal.
Cape
Clear Museum |
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