stones historical galway

The length of trail is 8km (5 miles). The actual walking will take you 2 - 2.5 hours, but there is a lot to see on the Trail, so you should allow 4 - 5 hours if you are to enjoy it fully.

The route is marked by yellow arrows on limestone plaques, with an occasional - walking man - symbol. There are stiles wherever you need to cross a wall....

This stone, about three feet high, was removed here to the grounds of a private house from its original position beside the Rath of Feerwore some miles away. The lowest portion has no decoration; in the middle is a Greek step-pattern. The top half of the stone is covered in a profusion of curvilinear ornament in relief which is typical of the Celtic art style known as La Tene.

It is the finest example in Europe of a series of presumably ritual stones decorated with Celtic ornament, so...

Among the few relics which Galway retains from the days of the horse are Jostle Stones. These are small conical stones, usually placed at corners of narrow lanes and gateways with the purpose of preventing carriages from cutting corners too fine.

These jostle stones helped save both carriage wheel and corner from damage. One such Jostle Stone can be found at the corner of Easons, in church lane. Its matching partner has long since disappeared....