Interactive view of CSV resource • 148 total records
| # | smr_no_ | Class | County | Townland | ITM Easting | ITM Northing | Location | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N/A | Sheela-na-gig (missing) | Antrim | Randalstown | 711571 | 888026 | Unknown | N/A | Shanes Castle in Randalstown, Co. Antrim has been mentioned as having a sheela but it has lost it. Also known as the luck stone of the O?Neills. Co-ordinates/Location are for illustrative purposes and are not accurate. Information courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 2 | CW007-166---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Carlow | Urglin Or Rutland | 676460 | 676991 | Present Location | CW1 | Unlocated sheela-na-gig within the townland of Urglin or Rutland. Sheela-na-gig carving first recorded by B. Freitag. According to the present owner of the carving this sheela-na-gig is not in its original location and came into the possession of his family c. 1954. According to the owner the carving was found ?in a river near a monastic site in Offaly? (OF000-001----) (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/archive/index-64232.php.html, accessed 06 June 2012). Co-ordinates/Location are for illustrative purposes and are not accurate. Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 3 | CV014-052002- | Sheela-na-gig | Cavan | Mullynagolman | 627905 | 814719 | Original Location | CN1 | Locally known as 'Church Meadow', this site is traditionally believed to be St Brecin's monastic settlement which formerly comprised a round tower, church and cemetery. According to Davies (1948, 116-7) traces of both church and round tower were evident as late as 1948, in addition to a number of cut stones, querns, and a large lump of iron slag which may have been a furnace bottom. The 'Tomregan Stone' (CV010-012002- see information below)) located inside doorway of the Church of Ireland chapel in Ballyconnell village is traditionally believed to have originated from here. No trace of monastic site at ground level (Barrow 1979, 58). Described by Freitag as a doubtful sheela-na-gig 'carved on sandstone block, curved section cut from lower left hand corner to fit architectural setting. Triangular, earless head with big, round eyes. Arms slightly splayed with hands hanging at sides of body; legs splayed exposing large, deeply cut almost rectangular-shaped pudenda from which a V-shaped object is protruding. There is a band-like feature partly across the flank (Freitag 2004, 143). Listed by the National Museum of Ireland as an exhibitionist figure which had been mistakenly identified as a sheela-na-gig (Cherry 1992, 10).˙CV010-012002- (Co-ordinates 626994, 818832) Now situated inside the Church of Ireland chapel in Ballyconnell village but originally found in the the townland of Mullynagolman (CV010-052002-). Large sandstone architectural fragment (H 0.2m; max Wth 0.33; D 0.3m) ? possibly the apex of a doorway or tympanum, decorated with what appears to be an exhibitionist figure of unusual form. Figure comprises a long, oval, bearded face with staring eyes and high-set ears, no body, but wide splaying arms and legs, buttocks and possible representations of testicles. The left hand holds a small purse in the form of a human face, the right, a horseshoe-shaped object. Davies (1948, 116-7) believed that it originally surmounted the doorway of Mullynagolman round tower (CV014-052003-) ? a theory refuted by Barrow (1979, 58) who-claimed it more likely came from the church at that site as the round tower doorway would have been too narrow to accomodate the large figure. Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 4 | CV026-052002- | Sheela-na-gig | Cavan | Lavey | 649624 | 802670 | Original Location | CN3 | Found at the site of Lavey church (CV026-052001-). Described by Guest (1936,109) as having arms flexed in front of splayed thighs and hands directed towards the lower abdomen. Now located in the Cavan County Museum (CV038-071----). According to Guest the sheela-na-gig was 'found about 1842 by Dr. Chas. Halpin laid loosely on a gate pier built "recently" at the entrance of the old church-yard. The finder believed it to come from the old church, of which scarcely a trace was then left' (Guest 1936, 109). This sheela-na-gig has been moved from the NMI to the County Museum in Ballyjamesduff, Cavan where it is on display. One of two sheela-na-gigs (CV038-070----) on display at the County Museum in Ballyjamesduff. Described by Freitag as a sheela-na-gig (dims. H 0.43m; Wth 0.23m) with ?right side damaged from top to bottom giving the impression that figure was cut off vertically. Big head; ovoid eyes with pupils; fleshy nose with clearly cut nostrils; open mouth with protruding tongue and beading round lips, possibly representing teeth. Two or three bands round forehead, and hair seems to be indicated?(Freitag 2004, 127-8). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). NMI Register No. 2207:W14. |
| 5 | CV038-070---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Cavan | Kilmore (Castlerahan By., Ballyjamesduff Ed) | 652558 | 791131 | Present Location | CN2 | The provenance of this sheela-na-gig is unknown as recorded by the National Museum of Ireland (Cherry 1992, 6). One of two sheela-na-gigs (CV026-052002-) now located in Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff (see also CV038-071----). This sheela-na-gig figure is carved on the left hand side of a rectangular block which appears to be a quoin stone from the medieval church (CV026-052001-) at Lavey. It is described by Freitag as a sheela-na-gig (dims. H 0.47m; Wth 0.58m; T. 0.18m) with ?figure flatly carved on left hand side of thick slab; upper left corner damaged. Large head set between shoulders; deeply set eyes, thick nose, open mouth showing gappy teeth. No breasts or ribs, but nave clearly incised. Thick arms reaching down in front of body; fingers of both big hands touch raised rim of vulva which is depicted as vertical groove with small, round touch-hole underneath. Short, stumpy legs wide apart, feet with extremely long toes turned outwards. On or under left arm (measuring 11cm in diameter) figure holds round object whose outline is incised on top of arm? (Freitag 2004, 136-7).˙Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). NMI Register No. 2208:W15. |
| 6 | CV038-071---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Cavan | Kilmore (Castlerahan By., Ballyjamesduff Ed) | 652558 | 791131 | Present Location | CN2 | Found at the site of Lavey church (CV026-052001-). Described by Guest (1936,109) as having arms flexed in front of splayed thighs and hands directed towards the lower abdomen. Now located in the Cavan County Museum (CV038-071----). According to Guest the sheela-na-gig was 'found about 1842 by Dr. Chas. Halpin laid loosely on a gate pier built "recently" at the entrance of the old church-yard. The finder believed it to come from the old church, of which scarcely a trace was then left' (Guest 1936, 109). This sheela-na-gig has been moved from the NMI to the County Museum in Ballyjamesduff, Cavan where it is on display. One of two sheela-na-gigs (CV038-070----) on display at the County Museum in Ballyjamesduff. Described by Freitag as a sheela-na-gig (dims. H 0.43m; Wth 0.23m) with ?right side damaged from top to bottom giving the impression that figure was cut off vertically. Big head; ovoid eyes with pupils; fleshy nose with clearly cut nostrils; open mouth with protruding tongue and beading round lips, possibly representing teeth. Two or three bands round forehead, and hair seems to be indicated?(Freitag 2004, 127-8). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). NMI Register No. 2207:W14. |
| 7 | CL017-020005- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Killinaboy | 527084 | 691605 | Original Location | CE1 | It is built into the outer face of the S wall of the medieval church (CL017-002001-) above the doorway. The image is described by Freitag (2004, 135) as a figure consisting of a ?round head with a very grim mouth, an emaciated neck, no breasts and clearly marked ribs. The arms are in front of body with the hands around the genitals. Something seems to pour out of the pudenda. It is in a standing position with the legs apart and slightly bent at knees, feet turned outwards?. (Guest 1936, 115, No. 32; Andersen 1977, 149, No. 85). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 8 | CL017-084005- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Ballyportry South | 529922 | 690130 | Original Location | CE2 | This record is for the original location of a sheela-na-gig found close to Ballyportry Castle (CL017-084002-). For present location and description see CL033-191----.˙Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). NMI Register No. 1942:1834. |
| 9 | CL025-084004- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Rath | 527001 | 685729 | Original Location | CE3 | This carving is on a highly decorated window sill, now placed upside down over a window recess in the S wall of the nave of Rath church (CL025-084001-). The sill is decorated with foliage emanating from the mouth of an animal at the centre. The sheela-na-gig is in the same plastic style, dated to c. 1200 (Harbison 2000, 27), and is in a separate panel beside the interlace. The figure is small (H c. 0.2m), and the waist area is damaged, but the breasts are visible. The hands are entwined with stylized animals, and the legs are flexed. (Guest 1936, 112, No. 20; Andersen 1977, 151, No. 103).˙Image courtesy of Clare county Library Service. |
| 10 | CL033-191---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Clare | Clonroad Beg | 533872 | 677474 | Present Location | CE2 | On display in Clare Museum, Ennis. A sheela-na-gig found S of Ballyportry castle (CL017-084002-). This carving was discovered in the area S of Ballyportry tower house (CL017-084002-). It is described by Freitag (2004, 124) as a figure ?crudely carved in limestone. The huge head is neckless with big jug ears; deep- set round eyes raised in sockets; nose broken off. Teeth showing in slightly opened mouth. No breasts, but an over-large round navel. Hands pass behind wide open thighs; fingers tear open long deep vulva from which amniotic sac protrudes. The latter is shaped like a balloon, filling gap between widely splayed legs. The knees are bent with the feet turning outwards and the left half foot broken off.? For the original location see CL017-084005-. (Andersen 1977, 145, No. 54). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). NMI Register No. 1942:1834. |
| 11 | CL045-033014- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Shantraud | 570333 | 672894 | Original Location | CE7 | This sheela-na-gig is set in the side-wall of St Flannan's Well (CL045-033013-). It is described by Freitag (2004, 134) as a figure ?carved on a slab with the head cut off. The arms are splayed out with the hands joining over the pudenda. The legs are widely splayed, and the knees bent?. (Guest 1936, 115, No. 37; Andersen 1977, 149, No. 84). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 12 | CL051-052003- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Clenagh | 536539 | 665111 | Original Location | CE4 | The sheela-na-gig is carved onto a quoin stone on the SE angle of Clenagh tower house (CL051-052001-). It is described by Freitag (2004, 108) as a figure consisting of a ?wide groove-like depression outlines the earless head; the facial features are barely discernible. It has no neck, and the breasts are only hinted at. The arms are kept close to the trunk and joined around an oval depression, indicating the pudenda and with signs of rubbing. It is in a squatting position with thin, spindly legs widely splayed and set at right angles, bent at knees, feet pointing outwards?. (Andersen 1976; 1977, 147, No. 67). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 13 | CL053-038---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Clare | Cloonlara | 562803 | 663634 | Present Location | CE5 | This stone is set into the parapet of a bridge across the Limerick to Killaloe Navigation Canal at Cloonlara. The figure is said to have come from Newtown Castle (CL053-043001-) and to have been defaced by the land-owner about three generations ago (local information) (Guest 1936, 117-18). It is described by Freitag (2004, 129) as a figure ?carved on a rectangular slab; the figure was given a patent reveal surrounding it when it was inserted in the new parapet. There are signs of deliberate hammering below the waist. Thus the legs and genital area are only barely traceable. It has a bony head with a grim face; the arms flexed and both hands are indicating or touching the vulva. The legs are splayed?. (Andersen 1977, 147, No. 71). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 14 | CL053-043002- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Newtown (Kiltenanlea Ed) | 562113 | 662568 | Original Location | CE5 | This stone is set into the parapet of a bridge across the Limerick to Killaloe Navigation Canal at Cloonlara. The figure is said to have come from Newtown Castle (CL053-043001-) and to have been defaced by the land-owner about three generations ago (local information) (Guest 1936, 117-18). It is described by Freitag (2004, 129) as a figure ?carved on a rectangular slab; the figure was given a patent reveal surrounding it when it was inserted in the new parapet. There are signs of deliberate hammering below the waist. Thus the legs and genital area are only barely traceable. It has a bony head with a grim face; the arms flexed and both hands are indicating or touching the vulva. The legs are splayed?. (Andersen 1977, 147, No. 71). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 15 | CL062-001005- | Sheela-na-gig | Clare | Bunratty East | 545111 | 660926 | Original Location | CE6 | This figure is now set into the S window in the hall of Bunratty castle (CL062-001004-); it was transferred there from the inner reveal of a window in the top room of the SW tower during a twentieth-century restoration of the castle. It is described by Freitag (2004, 125) as a figure, ?carved at left to middle of a large rectangular slab. Triangular head with deep-set eyes, grim mouth and gritted teeth. Flat, but sizeable, pendulous breasts. Arms form circle, passing behind thighs. Legs widely splayed and set at right angles to body before bending at right angles at knees. Vulva, sagging below thighs, appears to be torn open by both hands to release some soft substance? (Andersen 1977, 146, No. 59). Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 16 | CO018-119---- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Ballynamona (Fermoy By., Templeroan Par.) | 565081 | 607580 | Original Location | N/A | Byrne (1902, 87) recorded sheela na gig, removed from wall of Ballynamona Castle (14339) and placed in nearby gatepost, 'somewhat injured by mason who did not admire the taste of the sculptor'. He later failed to locate it on the gatepost and found it some distance away 'so smashed up that it was beyond repair' (ibid.). Location of fragments not known.˙The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.˙ |
| 17 | CO026-086002- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Castlewidenham | 568273 | 602134 | Original Location | CO1 | Originally noted by Ordnance Survey (Guest 1936, 116), as lying beside holy well (13958); recovered from bed of Awbeg River in 1934 where it had lain for a number of years, and placed near tower of Castle (14353) (ibid.). Figure has oval head with obliterated facial features; unusual head-dress of two divided triangular pieces falling as far as the shoulders. Neck is small and not clearly indicated, torso is lean with no evidence of breasts or ribs. Legs are widely splayed, knees bent. Right hand points to genital area, left hand rests on left thigh. (Cherry 1993, 109) Access to castle denied by landowner.˙The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.˙Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 18 | CO027-042004- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Boherash | 575731 | 604096 | Original Location | CO4 | Discovered during archaeological excavation (1982-84) at Glanworth Castle (14328) 'in one of the two vaulted ground floor chambers in the north side of the original rectangular gate tower' (Manning 1987, 278). Figure carved on one entire face of roughly trapezoidal stone (H 0.52m; Wth at base 0.35m; Wth at top 0.21m; D 0.44m). Figure depicted in a position of display with legs flexed and widely splayed and hands grasping vulva, left arm lying across torso while right arm passes beneath thigh; uncommon feature is anus which is shown distinctly at base of stone (ibid., 280). Figure has large head, hunched shoulders, breasts and ribs are clearly indicated. Probably originally prominently displayed on wall of castle, where it served 'an apotropaic function' (ibid., 281). Now in National Monuments and Historic Properties Service depot, Mallow (CO033-143----).˙Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 19 | CO033-143---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Cork | Quartertown Lower | 554553 | 597252 | Present Location | CO4 | Discovered during archaeological excavation (1982-84) at Glanworth Castle (14328) 'in one of the two vaulted ground floor chambers in the north side of the original rectangular gate tower' (Manning 1987, 278) (See CO027-042004-). Figure carved on one entire face of roughly trapezoidal stone (H 0.52m; Wth at base 0.35m; Wth at top 0.21m; D 0.44m). Figure depicted in a position of display with legs flexed and widely splayed and hands grasping vulva, left arm lying across torso while right arm passes beneath thigh; uncommon feature is anus which is shown distinctly at base of stone (ibid., 280). Figure has large head, hunched shoulders, breasts and ribs are clearly indicated. Probably originally prominently displayed on wall of castle, where it served 'an apotropaic function' (ibid., 281). Now in National Monuments and Historic Properties Service depot, Mallow. Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 20 | CO035-116---- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Castlehyde East | 578338 | 598540 | Original Location | N/A | In the external face of the S wall of an outbuilding, c. 10m S of Castle Hyde (CO035-015----). Discovered in 2002 when plaster was being removed from the outbuilding prior to demolition and redevelopment. A stone displaying the lower portion of a sheela-na-gig had been reused as a quoin in an inverted position close to the top of the outbuilding. The legs and lower abdomen of a figure, with the arms around the legs in a typical sheela-na-gig pose, were visible. The figure, which is surrounded by a raised frame, is carved in low relief. It is probable that the sheela-na-gig came from the ruins of a tower house (CO035-015----). (Purcell 2002; pers. comm. Avril Purcell)˙ |
| 21 | CO058-034008- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Glebe (Muskerry West By., Ballyvourney Par.) | 519779 | 576872 | Original Location | CO5 | In S wall of nave at Ballyvourney church (CO058-034007-); lintel, forming head of window light, has carving on outside face. The figure (c. 0.3m x 0.2m) cut in false relief immediately above chamfer of window light; figure portrayed with torso, head and arms. The hands may be crossed at the navel rather than pointed downwards as suggested by Andersen (1977, 145). Guest (1936, 110) described it as 'female figure....cut into an ovoid depression'; she considered that it showed 'no definite features of a sheela-na-gig except the pose of the arms'. No. 38 in Cherry's catalogue (1992, 6). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 22 | CO066-038002- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Aghadoe | 599955 | 577934 | Original Location | CO6 | Taken from Aghadoe Castle (CO066-03801-) during its demolition and now inpossession of owners of Aghadoe House (CO066-03803-). Rectangular limestoneslab (0.7m x 0.5m) with figure (H 0.4m; Wth 0.3m) picked out in raised relief (0.1m) on one side. Female figure displays a large head, triangularin shape with eyes, nose, mouth and ears clearly defined. Torso shows form of rib-cage surmounted with small pendular breasts; legs are splayed, exhibiting genital area. Right foot and part of left foot broken off. Left hand raised, holding something broken aloft; right arm hangs by side of figure; fingers visible on hand. No. 7 in Cherry (1992, 4) catalogue.˙The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 23 | CO074-168---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Cork | Cork City | 565960 | 571690 | Present Location | CO2 | Rectangular slab, with figure picked out in raised relief on one side. The female figure displays a large head with eyes, nose and mouth. Chest flat; arms down by side of body, curve in towards slit of pudenda. Legs straight with feet turned inwards, touching at the toes. Slab now in Cork Public Museum. Possibly one of the two Ringaskiddy figures, stated to be in a private garden, but not located by Guest (1936, 115). Original location record CO087-112----. Image copyright and courtesy of Cork Public Museum. |
| 24 | CO074-169---- | Sheela-na-gig (present location) | Cork | Cork City | 565960 | 571690 | Present Location | CO3 | Found at site of Cistercian abbey of Tracton (CO099-04303-) and now in Cork Public Museum. Sandstone block '141/2in in height, 12in in width and 8in in thickness' with curved section cut from lower left hand corner, which formed 'the side of a doorway or window, probably the latter' (O Rˇord in 1944, 56). Standing female figure, draped in cloak, carved on surface; triangular shaped face; hands hanging at sides of body; legs splayed exposing genital area described by Andersen (1977, 152) as 'very open and quaintly carved'. O Rˇord in (ibid, 57) noted 'the suggestion of a sword' on the figure and states that this (and the cloak) 'takes considerably from its hitherto accepted Sheela-na-Gig character'. No. 61 is Cherry (1992, 6) catalogue. Original location record CO099-088----. Image courtesy of G. Cannon (http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/). |
| 25 | CO087-052004- | Sheela-na-gig | Cork | Barnahely | 577310 | 563791 | Original Location | N/A | Possible sheela-na-gig found at castle (CO087-052001-) in early 19th century but disappeared shortly afterwards (Coleman 1915, 6; Guest 1936, 112; Cherry 1992, no. 73). Guest recorded in 1935 that, ?Windele calls this Castle Warren (CO087-052001-), near Monkstown, and speaks of "a brown gritty stone figure," which is stated in the J.R.S.A.I List to be "erect." It is not now to be found? (Guest 1936, 112). |