Discovery: John Tierney, Eachtra Archaeological Projects (1996) https://excavations.ie/report/1997/Kerry/0002778/. A local person said that the stone had been put in its present location ‘sometime early this century’ to serve as a scratching stone for cattle. No evidence was found to contradict this story.
Findspot: Ballyvelly, Co. Kerry, Ireland ()
Last recorded location(s):
National Monuments Service SMR ID:
Object type: Pillar
Letters:
Plan Your Visit
The Ballyvelly (I-KER-152) 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.
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.
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.
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 Ballyvelly (I-KER-152)
Prices shown are per night — click any pin to book
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