Apex Stone of Drumreilly

Imagine for a moment that you’re standing over a stone, and the way you have to lift it is by crouching over, placing the heels of your hands into the hollows on either side, then press your knees against your hands, and leverage the stone upward from that awkward kneeling position.

Historian and author Deirdre O’Neill (@remnantsofourpast) tells the remarkable story of this particular stone: a medieval apex stone that was once lifted by local men, and was on the verge of disappearing from history. Deirdre has spent years researching Ireland’s forgotten traditions, including the practice of stonelifting. Through Ireland’s National Folklore Collection, she eventually tracked it down inside of a church, where its significance was completely unknown.

We also talk about why Ireland’s stonelifting tradition was interrupted, how the Great Famine contributed to that break in tradition, and why Deirdre believes the recent revival is bringing these “sleeping stones” back to life. Sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things THE APEX STONE OF DRUMREILLY.

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