The Boheh Stone which is almost totally covered in rock carvings, consisting primarily of cupmarks, enclosed by one or more concentric circles and also several other patterns known as keyhole motifs. It is the only known example of this type of Neolithic rock carving in Connaught. It is also one of the finest examples of this type of rock art in Ireland or Britain & is believed to date to the early Bronze Age period (4000 – 2000BC) during which the better-known carvings at New Grange, Dowth and Knowth in Co. Meath were inscribed.
Mr. Gerry Bracken a local historian discovered in 1991 an event which subsequently became known as ‘The Rolling Sun’.
When standing at or near the rock, he observed the sun at dusk appearing to set on the summit of Croagh Patrick and then proceed to roll down the northern slope of the mountain all the way to the bottom.
This occurrence happens twice annually, at sunset on April 18th & August 24th, which divides the year equally into three parts. These dates would have corresponded with the sowing and harvesting of crops and appears to be the reason chosen by Neolithic farmers to cover this rock in petroglyphs. the carvings are for the most part faint & difficult to see under most lighting conditions.
The rock outcrop is also known as St Patrick’s Chair, as was the case with many other ancient sites they were Christianized and has a rough cross inscribed on it.
The cache is hidden near the rock which is at the at the back of a derelict building and house. Permission is given to those who wish to visit the stone and it is also known as ‘Site 2’ on the ‘Clew Bay Archeological Trail’. There is space to park outside on the road a few meters away where there are lots of instructions on how to get to the rock on signs and information panels. Just follow a rough path along the right-hand side of the buildings.
Also I’d imagine if you are here late on the 2 dates mentioned above then there will be quite a lot of Muggles. Otherwise any time I visited it is a quiet and interesting place. I was chatting to a person who lives next door and he informed me that the county council have acquired the site and hopefully will in the future clear some of the vegetation and old farmyard buildings which spoil the view of the mountain.
Shadows and Stone This is a link to a website with fascinating Photographs of the Boheh stone and many other pre-Celtic monuments
Carrowkeel.com A link to a website with more Information on the Boheh stone.