Glencullen Standing Stone Co Dublin

                              Above Image: Close up of this ancient quartz stone

                               Above Image: It's close proximity to roadside wall

This interesting quartz standing stone is situated on the edge of a golf course in Glencullen. It is believed it could be up to 3700 years old. Originally part of a pair of stones it now stands alone, its sibling lost to time. Legend has it that Viking invaders used both stones in a game of "Rings" The dazzling quartz illuminates in sunshine and changes colour at sunset. As it is now set upon a golf course access can be prohibited as the owners are wary of would be visitors being hit by a golf ball! However it is a national monument as the adjacent sign attests and there is a field gate although locked that can be climbed over and if you keep to the perimeter wall upon entry and then cross over to the stone when parallel to it you should be safe enough.
The stone stands approx. 6 feet high above ground although again legend has it that it extends downwards into the ground three times that length. I don't know if there is any truth to this but I don't think anybody is likely to start digging to find out. The locals call the stone Queen Mab which could be a reference to the fairy Queen mentioned in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet but it is more likely that it refers to the mythological Queen Medb of Connaught.
The whole area around here is a treasure trove of megalithic stones and graves and this stone was probably part of a network of way markers or for use in tribal ceremonies. Standing alongside it today one can't help musing over what it might have witnessed in those ancient times.
To find the standing stone take the R117 Kilternan to Enniskerry road and at the Blue wooden church take a turn right onto the R116 (Ballybetagh Rd) towards Glencullen. Drive until you reach Johnnie Fox's pub and turn left at the crossroads just beyond it onto the Barrack Rd. About 200m along you will see a field gate on your left. Park here and you will spot the stone in the field on the edge of the golf course. Be careful crossing especially if the course appears to be in use. A word of caution for the those driving. If you decide to continue on down the Barrack road you will reach a very steep set of narrow bends known as the Devil's Elbow that is not termed that lightly. If you are in anyway a nervous driver it would be advisable to return by way of the Ballybetagh Road.