Baile na bPórtach | Ballynabortagh 1 (I-COR-005)
Ireland I-COR-005 CIIC 59

Baile na bPórtach | Ballynabortagh 1 (I-COR-005)

Inscription

[.. ..]U.. ..IAIBODAS [.. ..]RTAGNI

Ogham reads along the stemline — usually bottom to top on standing stones. How to read Ogham →

Stone ID
I-COR-005
CIIC Ref.
59
Country
Ireland

The Stone in Detail

This record is drawn from the OG(H)AM corpus — the authoritative scholarly database of Ogham inscriptions, compiled by a team of epigraphers, archaeologists, and linguists. Transcription conventions and dating follow established epigraphic standards.

Provenance

Discovery: Discovered by 1839 and noted by Windele. It was part of a complex series of monuments, including another ogham stone (I-COR-006), of which this is the sole survivor above ground. Macalister (1945, 62-63) supplies an inventory from one of Windele’s notebooks of what was to be seen here in his time. ‘Dallaun’ is marked on the 1842 OS 6-inch map outside the NW corner of a now levelled square enclosure (CO052-039002-). This would correspond reasonably with the present position of this ogham stone. However, Macalister (1945, 63), quoting Windele, described four standing stones inside the enclosure, of which he says this was one.

Findspot: Ballynabortagh (Baile na bPórtach), Co. Cork, Ireland (ITM Coordinates: 570245, 583199)

Last recorded location(s): In situ in pasture, on a N-facing slope. Visited and 3D recorded for the Ogham in 3D project in August 2017.

Support

National Monuments Service SMR ID: CO052-039001-

Object type: Slab

Material: Sandstone

Dimensions: H 2.22 × W 1.80 × D 0.38 m

Condition: The ogham inscription is weathered and obscured by lichen in places and the lower portion is lost through damage to the stone.

Inscription

Text field: The fragmentary inscription (beginning of both lines lost) is located on one of the narrow sides of the slab, running up-up on the S and SE edges.

Letters: The inscription is pocked with large, somewhat unevenly spaced consonant strokes of up to 8cm long where they survive and shorter (1.5-2cm) vowel strokes, which are more evenly spaced.

Edition

Transcription: [.. ? ..]Ụ.. ? ..ỊẠỊBODAS [.. ? ..]RTAGNI

Critical apparatus:

  1. Reading by Macalister (1945): [.. ? ..]UỊṾAIBES 2. Reading by Rhys 1908: ṾỊṆỊOBODAS

References

  • Macalister 1945, 63-64, no. 59
  • Power and et al. 1994, 61-62, no. 4230
  • Rhys 1908, 203
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Plan Your Visit

Visiting the Baile na bPórtach | Ballynabortagh 1 (I-COR-005) Ogham Stone

The Baile na bPórtach | Ballynabortagh 1 (I-COR-005) stone is one of Ireland's finest early medieval monuments — and well worth the journey. Whether you're a dedicated epigrapher, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves exploring ancient places, seeing a 1,500-year-old inscription in person is an experience unlike any other.

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Getting There

Use the map and coordinates on this page to navigate directly to the stone's recorded location. Many Ogham stones are in rural churchyards or open countryside — sturdy footwear is recommended.

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What to Bring

Bring a camera with a good zoom for inscription detail. Raking light (early morning or late afternoon) makes Ogham strokes far easier to see and photograph. A notebook for rubbings or sketches adds to the experience.

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Where to Stay

There's plenty of accommodation near Ireland. Browse hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses close to the stone using the map below — filter by price, rating, and availability to find the perfect base for your trip.

Hotels & accommodation near Baile na bPórtach | Ballynabortagh 1 (I-COR-005)

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