Roscommon Abbey
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Castlestrange Scribed Stone: An Ancient Enigma
Explore the enigmatic Castlestrange Scribed Stone, an ancient Irish treasure adorned with Iron Age carvings and steeped in mystery.
The Castlestrange Scribed Stone, located near Boyle in County Roscommon, is a granite boulder dating back to the Iron Age (300 BC to 100 AD). Adorned with La Tène style carvings, it stands as one of only a few such stones remaining in Ireland, inviting contemplation of its mysterious purpose.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Castlestrange Scribed Stone
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Boyle, Castlestrange, Co. Roscommon, IE
Monday
10 am-6 pm
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Driving
The Castlestrange Scribed Stone is located near the village of Athleague in County Roscommon. From Athleague, take the R362 west towards Glenamaddy. After about 0.5km, look for a sign indicating the Castlestrange Cult Stone. Turn right and follow the road along the River Suck. The stone is located to the right of the entrance of Castlestrange Demense driveway. There is a widening in the demesne road for parking. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free.
Public Transport
To reach Castlestrange Scribed Stone using public transport, take a bus from Roscommon town heading towards Boyle. Bus Éireann and Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon operate services on this route. From Roscommon Mart Road, the Local Link Route 570 bus to Boyle takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Alight in Boyle and take a local taxi or walk approximately 5 kilometers to reach the stone. A single fare from Roscommon to Boyle on Bus Eireann is approximately €15. A taxi from Boyle to the Castlestrange Scribed Stone will cost approximately €15-€20.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and optimal lighting for photography.
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Take your time to study the stone's intricate carvings.
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Combine your visit with a walk to enjoy the serene countryside of County Roscommon.
Discover more about Castlestrange Scribed Stone
Nestled in the grounds of Castlestrange House near Athleague, County Roscommon, the Castlestrange Scribed Stone is a captivating relic of Ireland's Iron Age. This granite boulder is decorated with flowing spirals in the La Tène style, a characteristic art form of the Celtic Iron Age. Dating back to between 300 BC and 100 AD, the stone offers a tangible link to Ireland's ancient past.The Castlestrange Stone is one of only a handful of similar stones found in Ireland. The Turoe Stone in County Galway is perhaps the best known of these. The purpose of these stones remains a mystery, though it is widely believed they served some religious or ritual function. The designs are incised into the pink granite, and the stone sits on a bed of river rocks, surrounded by a cattle grid.Visitors to the Castlestrange Scribed Stone can appreciate not only the intricate carvings but also the serene countryside setting. The stone invites contemplation about the lives and beliefs of those who created it centuries ago.
A brief summary to Castlestrange Scribed Stone
Use Castlestrange Scribed Stone as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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