Description

Three Stones: The Cross and the Circle by Rónán Lynch is a fascinating study of Ireland’s prehistoric heritage, focusing on three significant archaeological sites in County Mayo and the stories they preserve. Combining archaeology, folklore, landscape history, and archaeoastronomy, Lynch investigates how these ancient monuments may have been used thousands of years ago and what they reveal about Ireland’s earliest inhabitants.

At the heart of the book is the celebrated Boheh Stone, one of Ireland’s finest examples of Neolithic rock art. Decorated with hundreds of cup-and-ring carvings and other prehistoric motifs, the stone has long attracted archaeologists and historians. Lynch explores its relationship with nearby Croagh Patrick, including the famous “rolling sun” phenomenon, when the setting sun appears to descend the mountain’s northern slope as viewed from the stone during specific times of the year.

The book examines a wide range of themes, including:

• The archaeology of the Boheh Stone and neighbouring monuments
• Neolithic rock art and prehistoric symbolism
• Ancient astronomical alignments and seasonal observations
• The relationship between prehistoric sacred sites and later Christian traditions
• The cultural significance of Croagh Patrick and the surrounding landscape
• The enduring influence of mythology and folklore on Ireland’s archaeological heritage

Drawing on archaeological evidence, historical sources, and landscape analysis, Lynch presents fresh interpretations of these monuments while encouraging readers to consider how prehistoric communities understood the heavens, the landscape, and the passage of time. The book is richly illustrated with colour photographs, maps, and diagrams that help bring these ancient sites to life.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, Three Stones: The Cross and the Circle will appeal to both general readers and enthusiasts of Irish archaeology. It offers an intriguing perspective on one of Ireland’s most remarkable prehistoric landscapes and highlights the continuing importance of County Mayo’s ancient monuments within Ireland’s cultural heritage.

Ideal for readers interested in Irish archaeology, prehistoric Ireland, ancient astronomy, mythology, local history, and heritage, this beautifully illustrated volume provides a compelling journey into Ireland’s distant past.