Brackloon Community Center, Aug 24th, 7pm, €5

Immerse yourself in Mayo’s pre-historic culture and view the Boheh Stone, a unique Neolithic feature. Come on this guided walk and join local archaeologists to hear about this site and (weather permitting!) experience the amazing “Rolling Sun” phenomenon for yourself.

Meeting at Brackloon Community Centre (which is located 8km from Westport on the Leenane road beside Liscarney Post Office) at 7 pm
Walk distance >2km – rated “easy”, no specialised gear required.
Refreshments served before the event.
Cover charge of €5 requested and children are free.

Enquiries / information: call Brendan & Pauline at 094 90 30687

The townland of Boheh, Co Mayo contains a remarkable example of prehistoric rock art, the Boheh Stone, which dates from the Neolithic period (4000-2500BC). The stone can be found along a narrow side road, hidden away behind a derelict house and unkempt vegetation, it is a large natural outcrop of rock known as ‘St. Patrick’s Chair’. Upon its surface (spread out over 4 m²) over 250 individual petroglyphs are carved. They take the form of isolated cup, cup and rings and keyhole archaeological motifs and altogether form a fascinating spectacle when viewed in the right seasonal and lighting conditions. Some of the markings bear close resemblance to those found at New Grange, Knowth and Dowth in County Meath, indicating a Neolithic culture pervading the island of Ireland. Weather permitting, you may be treated to the prehistoric equivalent of a light show. Standing at Boheh Rock/St. Patrick’s Chair between the 22nd and the 24th of August and the 18th April, when looking west, the sun appears to set right on the peak of Croagh Patrick itself. Not only that, but it then subsequently appears, to an observer standing at the Boheh stone, that the sun rolls down the north side of the conical peak itself, revealing the phenomenal ‘rolling sun’ effect.

Boheh Stone: note the small rings (prehistoric art) that were probably inspired by the rolling sun!