Kildun Standing Stones facts for kids

The Kildun Standing Stones are ancient tall stones that stand upright in the ground. They are found in County Mayo, Ireland. These stones are so important that they are protected as a National Monument of Ireland. This means they are a special historical site that everyone wants to keep safe.

Where to Find the Stones

The Kildun Standing Stones are about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of a place called Ballycroy. They stand on a hillside that faces east. This is a bit unusual for ancient sites in this area. From where the stones are, you cannot see Achill Island.

The Story of the Stones

These standing stones were likely put in place a very long time ago, possibly during the Bronze Age. The Bronze Age was a time when people learned to make tools and weapons from bronze. This period was roughly from 3300 BC to 1200 BC.

One of the stones, called the "cross pillar," was later changed by early Christians. They carved a special cross shape onto it. This showed that the stone was then used for Christian purposes.

What the Stones Look Like

There are two main parts to the Kildun Standing Stones: a cross pillar and another plain stone.

The Cross Pillar

This stone pillar stands about 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall. It has a special cross carved into its surface. This cross is called a cross pattée. It has arms that are narrow in the center and wider at the ends. The cross is inside a circular frame.

The Other Stone

Next to the cross pillar is another standing stone. This stone is simpler and does not have any carvings or decorations on it.