These distinctive boulders, featuring one or more basin-like hollows carved into their surface, are scattered across the Irish landscape and have long puzzled archaeologists and historians. The Drumirrin example adds to the collection of over 800 documented bullaun stones found throughout Ireland, each one offering a glimpse into the ritual and practical life of medieval communities.

The exact purpose of bullaun stones remains somewhat mysterious, though several theories persist. Some scholars suggest they were used for grinding grain or herbs, whilst others propose they held holy water for blessing rituals at early Christian sites. Local folklore often attributes healing properties to the rainwater that collects in these depressions, with traditions of using the water to cure warts, headaches, and other ailments. The stones frequently appear near holy wells, church ruins, and monastic settlements, suggesting they played a role in religious or communal activities.