Coumeenoole Ogham Stone

Summary: The Coumeenoole Ogham Stone, discovered in 1838 on Dingle Peninsula, dates to the sixth century. It commemorates Erc and is accessible via a short hike from the Slea Head carpark.

  • Site type: Rock engraving
  • Quality: 2/5
  • Condition of site: Weathered
  • Year first recorded: 1838

Located near the top of Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula, the Coumeenoole Ogham Stone was discovered in 1838 lying on the ground, and re-erected the following year.

IMG 7002 LR Coumeenoole Ogham Stone

Despiute being exposed to the elements, the inscription on the Ogham stone can be still be seen, which reads as “ERC MAQI MAQI-ERCIAS MU DOVINIA” and is likely to date back to the first half of the sixth century. Erc is the name of the person who is commemorated here, and the wording translates to “of Erc son of Mac-Erce descendant? of Duibne”.

IMG 7000 LR Coumeenoole Ogham Stone

A 3D rendering of the Ogham stone shows the inscripton along one of the edges.

Getting to the Coumeenoole Ogham Stone

The Ogham stone is near the top of Dunmore Head, and is reached via the 2.2km Dunmore Head Loop. If you just want to visit the stone, it’s a about a 1km return way from the Slea Head Parking area just off the Slea Head Drive (R559).

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