Bullaun stone, Clonca, Co. Donegal

Bullaun stone, Clonca, Co. Donegal

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Clonca church in County Donegal lies a rather modest yet intriguing artefact: a small portable bullaun stone.

Bullaun stone, Clonca, Co. Donegal

This ancient church, designated as National Monument number 25, has attracted the attention of archaeologists and historians alike, with the Donegal Survey team documenting this particular stone during their comprehensive survey work in 1983.

Bullaun stones are hollowed out stones that were traditionally used for grinding grain, herbs, or other materials, though many acquired religious significance over time. The fact that this particular example is portable makes it somewhat unusual, as most bullaun stones are either fixed in place or too heavy to move easily. Its presence within the church walls suggests it may have held special ritual or practical importance to the community that once worshipped here.



The stone’s location within Clonca church places it amongst layers of Irish history; the church itself forms part of a broader ecclesiastical landscape that has evolved over centuries. While it might not catch the eye as quickly as the church’s more prominent architectural features, this humble bullaun stone serves as a tangible link to the everyday lives and spiritual practices of those who once gathered within these walls.

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Lacy, B. with Cody, E., Cotter, C., Cuppage, J., Dunne, N., Hurley, V., O’Rahilly, C., Walsh, P. and Ó Nualláin, S. 1983 Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century A.D. Lifford. Donegal County Council.
Clonca, Co. Donegal
55.26784117, -7.17361235
55.26784117,-7.17361235
Clonca 
Holy Sites & Wells 

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