Answering Stone facts for kids
The Cloch Labhrais, also called the Answering Stone or the Speaking Stone, is a really big rock in Ireland. You can find it near Stradbally, County Waterford, on a road between Waterford and Dungarvan. This special stone is famous for a legend connected to it, much like the famous Blarney Stone. What makes the Cloch Labhrais truly unique is a giant crack, about 5-foot-wide (1.5 m), that almost splits the entire rock in two! Scientists believe this crack formed during the Ice age when melting ice caused a sudden temperature change.
Cloch Labhrais: Ireland's Answering Stone
The Cloch Labhrais is a huge boulder. It sits on the west bank of the River Deehan. This river is close to the town of Stradbally. The stone is known for its impressive size and its unique split.
The Amazing Split in the Stone
The most striking feature of the Cloch Labhrais is a large crack. This crack runs almost perfectly through the middle of the rock. It goes from the north side to the south side. The split itself is about 5 feet (1.5 m) wide. This huge crack divides the stone into two main parts. These are called the eastern and western sections.
One interesting detail about the western part of the stone is a large piece that broke off. This piece fell to the northern end of the split. It almost closes the gap at that spot. This single broken piece weighs around four tons!
