Rising between two and two and a half metres from the cultivated fields that now surround it, this prehistoric monument maintains its northeast to southwest orientation, just as it has for millennia. The stone’s relatively narrow width of half a metre gives it an elegant, blade-like profile against the Donegal sky.

Like many of Ireland’s standing stones, this monument remains somewhat mysterious in purpose; it could have served as a territorial marker, a memorial, or held ritual significance for the communities who erected it. The surrounding cultivation means visitors must appreciate this ancient marker from a respectful distance, though its imposing height ensures it remains clearly visible across the gently undulating landscape. The Irish name Glaidhb An Tseanteampaill translates roughly to “the sword of the old church”, hinting at possible later Christian associations with this pre-Christian monument.

This particular stone was documented as part of the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, conducted in 1983 by Brian Lacey and his team. Their work catalogued the county’s rich archaeological heritage spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century, ensuring monuments like this standing stone are properly recorded for future generations. While the exact date of the stone’s erection remains unknown, it likely dates to the Bronze Age, when such monuments were commonly raised across Ireland’s landscape.