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All the United Kingdom Northern Ireland Doagh The Holestone

The Holestone

This mysterious Bronze Age standing stone has become a place where couples profess their love.

Doagh, Northern Ireland

Added By
Kristen Sinclair
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The Holestone overlooking surrounding countryside.   kristen97 / Atlas Obscura User
The Holestone overlooking surrounding countryside.   kristen97 / Atlas Obscura User
Blue skies and ancient Ireland.   AnnaMoon / Atlas Obscura User
Cows graze around the Holestone.   kristen97 / Atlas Obscura User
The rocky outcrop where the stone can be found.   kristen97 / Atlas Obscura User
Views of the surrounding Six Mile Valley.   kristen97 / Atlas Obscura User
Visitors have left flowers at the Holestone.   kristen97 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Holestone is one of the best-preserved Bronze Age standing stones in Ireland. Located atop a seemingly out-of-place rocky outcrop in a field about a mile from the village of Doagh, its ancient origins are unclear. Theories about its purpose run the spectrum, some believe its a burial place or a pagan altar—others think it was a meeting place for Celtic kings. 

The stone began to garner popularity in later years and was known as a "lovestone," a place associated with fertility and soon to be married couples. It's said the hole in the stone is only big enough for a woman's hand to pass through. As tradition goes, her fiancee or lover would hold her hand on the other side and their love was bound forever.

According to one legend, a man committed adultery on his wedding night after being married at the stone and was cursed to roam the surrounding fields as a black horse for eternity.

The outcrop also offers panoramic views of the surrounding Six Mile Valley countryside and visitors often leave flowers at the stone. The Holestone is a truly unique place to visit in County Antrim. 

Related Tags

Stone Bronze Age History & Culture Mystery

Know Before You Go

The Holestone is located on private farmland, but is signposted and open to visitors. The official signpost actually points in the wrong direction, so look out for the rocky mound in the field across from it.

Parking is very limited but it's an easy walk from the neighboring villages of Doagh and Parkgate. Be prepared to climb over some rocks and bushes to access the stone on top of the outcrop. The Holestone is part of the South Antrim Heritage Trail and a colorful sign in the field provides some information about the stone's history and legends.

Community Contributors

Added By

kristen97

Edited By

AnnaMoon

  • AnnaMoon

Published

October 13, 2020

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Sources
  • https://voicesfromthedawn.com/doagh-holestone/
  • https://blog.shadowsandstone.com/2012/04/23/doagh-holestone-co-antrim/
The Holestone
24 Holestone Rd
Doagh, Northern Ireland, BT39 0SB
United Kingdom
54.748792, -6.072462
Get Directions

Nearby Places

WWII Royal Air Force Crash Sites

Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland

miles away

Ballylagan Organic Farm

Straid, Northern Ireland

miles away

Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House

Antrim, Northern Ireland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

United Kingdom

Places 122
Stories 4

Nearby Places

WWII Royal Air Force Crash Sites

Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland

miles away

Ballylagan Organic Farm

Straid, Northern Ireland

miles away

Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House

Antrim, Northern Ireland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

United Kingdom

Places 122
Stories 4

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