Inscribed stone, Sliabh Leirg An Dachtáin, Co. Donegal

Co. Donegal |

Stone Monuments

Inscribed stone, Sliabh Leirg An Dachtáin, Co. Donegal

On the southeast facing slope of Slieve League in County Donegal, visitors can find the remnants of an ancient inscribed stone that locals have long called 'Leac na Scriobh', meaning 'the stone of the writing'.

This intriguing monument, now broken into two pieces, once stood as a single upright stone with a distinctive flat top that gave it an almost seat-like appearance. The break has left the top half lying in a stream immediately to the west, whilst the bottom portion remains in its original position.

The stone's most fascinating feature is the faint traces of incised lettering visible on the upper fragment, though centuries of weathering have rendered the text illegible. Local historian Gene Curran has helped preserve knowledge of this monument's traditional name and significance within the community, ensuring its story continues to be told despite the inscription's deterioration. The presence of these weathered letters hints at the stone's possible use as a boundary marker, memorial, or waymarker in centuries past.

An old roadway running east of the stone suggests this location has been significant for generations, perhaps serving as a landmark for travellers crossing the slopes of Slieve League. The combination of the inscribed text, the stone's prominent position on the hillside, and its proximity to the historic route all point to its importance in the landscape's human history, even if the exact meaning of its inscription may now be lost to time.

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