The earliest depiction of a Curragh Boat

The Kilnaruane Pillar Stone can be found in a field just to the east of Bantry House. This beautiful vantage point was once the location of an early Christian monastic site. The stone dates to the 9th century and may have formed part of a High Cross. It has some interesting carvings including interlaced patterns, a figure praying, a cross, and depictions of St Anthony and St Paul breaking bread in the desert. The most interesting carving is the depiction of 4 oarsmen and a steersman rowing through a sea of crosses. This is the earliest depiction of a traditional currach boat in Ireland. The boat is thought to be the same type of skin-covered currach that St Brendan the Navigator may have used to sail to America, which is why the stone is known locally as St Brendan’s stone. The site may have been founded by St Brendan or St Ruan, who can be found in the name of the townland. Also present at the site is a bullaun stone.