Cape Clear Island Holed Stone/The Marriage Stones

Nearest town:
Baltimore (8km ENE)
OS reference:
V9759923027
OS sheet:
88
Latitude:
51° 27' 3.04 N
Longitude:
9° 28' 23.72 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Cape Clear Island Holed Stone/The Marriage Stones by Joseph Moran

Another shot of the Menhirs.

Image credit: https://irlandnews.com/the-mystery-wedding-stones-of-cape-clear-island/?lang=en
Joseph Moran
Joseph Moran May 15, 2026
Image of Cape Clear Island Holed Stone/The Marriage Stones by Joseph Moran

A shot of the two ‘Marriage Stones‘

Image credit: https://magebymoonlight.com/marriage-stones-cape-clear/
Joseph Moran
Joseph Moran May 15, 2026

Articles

Folklore

Cape Clear Island Holed Stone/The Marriage Stones
Holed Stone
Joseph Moran
Joseph Moran May 15, 2026

Handwritten essay by a primary school pupil in 1938*, Clochar na Trócaire (Convent of Mercy), Skibbereen

“Wedding customs. Near the north end of the island of Cleire, a pillarstone, Gallaun, may be seen standing upright and about four feet high. In the centre there is a circular opening; there is an ancient tradition connected with it. In former times this was a marriage stone where lovers met and became engaged. As no jeweller flourished on the island and engagement rings were not to be obtained, the lovers adopted the custom of plighting their troth by shaking hands through the circular opening. The mutual vows made on such occasions were strictly observed. This Gallaun is looked upon as a venerable relic connected in someway or another with the worship of the Druids”.

Sites within 20km of Cape Clear Island Holed Stone/The Marriage Stones