Ushnagh Hill – Catstone

Over twenty ancient monuments are found on the Hill of Ushnagh (Uisneach) and this ringfort and barrow are in the Kellybrook townland. The ringfort is south-east of the famous Cat stone, or in Irish Aill na Mireann translated as Rock of the Divisions.

The cat stone was described in 1837 as being 20ft high and 60ft in circumference. The four large blocks at its south-west face were placed there by design. In recent times this cat stone is within a sub-circular enclosure called a barrow which measures 22.7m north-south by 25.5m east-west. The limestone boulder/cat stone, measures 4.5m tall.

A cylindrical hole in the top of the boulder indicates to experts that a flag was erected on it to mark its location as a centre for political and other meetings. In mythology it also marks the traditional centre of Ireland.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014