|The Turoe Stone, located
near Loughrea, is one of the
most instantly recognisable examples of ancient art in Ireland.
It is the best
example, from a select few surviving examples, of a Celtic art style called La Tène.
In fact, it has been hailed as one of the finest
examples of La Tène art in Europe, and in its Irish context, the art is
assignable to the Iron Age, and specifically the last three centuries Before
Standing 1.68 metres high, the Turoe Stone is
highly decorated, with spirals, circles, curves, and other motifs. The patterns
are in relief because the stone was skilfully picked back from the surface.
For reasons that are not yet fully clear (and
possibly never will be), it appears that in the case of the Turoe Stone, the
pre-Christian Celts raised the strength, sophistication, and complexity of their
spiritual abstractions and symbolism to the highest level by far that they ever
used in their stone art; and, in so doing, they may (in a way similar to the
later situation regarding the Book of Kells) have given to the world the finest
example of abstract stone art ever produced.
Believed to have been carved sometime around 150 BC to 250 BC. the top of the
stone is bounded by a three-plane set of curved ornaments, cleverly assembled
from a collection of basic repeating patterns such as trumpet-ends, triskeles
(symbols consisting of three bent limbs radiating from a center), and even
stylized animal heads. Some of the designs are present in both positive and
negative forms. All things considered, and as with the Book of Kells, it would
seem that the production of this piece of art required amazing abilities: which
possibly do not exist in our time.
The English name "Turoe" comes from Irish place name "Cloch an Tuair Rua" -
which means "The Stone of the Red Pasture"; and it is thought that the word Red
in this particular place name is symbolic of the bloody human sacrifices which
apparently were part of the pre-Christian Celtic culture.
However incredible it may feel to us in our time (1999 AD), the ritualistic
killing (and replacing) of their aging Kings appears nevertheless to have been a
core feature of the pre-Christian Celtic culture; and allowing for all the extra
thought and care which appears to have gone into the symbols on the Turoe Stone,
it seems possible that the nearby Rath of Feerwore (where the Turoe Stone
originally stood) may have been their most important site. Whatever the
situation regarding other speculations, few seem to doubt that the basic shape
of the Turoe Stone was very deliberately chosen to represent what continues to
be mankind's most potent symbol of regeneration: and through regeneration,
genetic survival which transcends death.
In recent years, and to the dismay of many well informed visitors who travel
great distances from all over the world to see it, it looks as though acid rain
may be eating away at the Turoe Stone in a way which should seriously concern us
all? In addition, there is also concern regarding issues such as vandalism and
Situated about 5 miles North of Loughrea. Take the R350 North from Loughrea
towards New Inn as you come into the village of Bullaun you take a left turn
(signposted Turoe Stone). The stone is situated on a Pet farm about 1/2 mile up
this road on the right hand side.