The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

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Lia Fail (Standing Stone / Menhir)

There seems to be some confusion between the Stone of Scone, the ancient Coromation Stone of Scotland, which was taken to Westminster by Edward I ("Longshanks" in the film "Braveheart"), and the Lia Fáil at Tara. The Lia Fáil is reputed to have been brought from the east by the Tuatha Dé Danaan, and was originally situated in front of "Dúmha na nGiall", or Mound of the Hostages. It was transplanted to its present location to mark the mass grave of the United Irish insurgents who fell at the battle of Tara on May 26th, 1798. It is said that as much of the ancient stone lies below ground as above it, making the whole edifice approximately eleven feet in length. Legend maintains that the stone would cry out when a rightful claimant to the kingship of Tara touched it, thereby verifying his ability to rule wisely.
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