Broemountain (Dyrick)

The Dyrick standing stone is certainly one of the most unusual found in county Waterford. It’s height at just under 2 metres is quite average, but what sets it apart is its profile and unique shape.

Resembling a modern sculpture, the conglomerate stone which is oriented NE- SW, has a number of shelves/ledges the first of which is about 0.6 metres from the base. It stands just inside a field boundary and right alongside a conifer plantation which is a very short distance from the local landmark of Dyrick Hill at 286 metres high.

In the case of this monument, one is prompted to ask, why a stone of this shape was selected? Did these shelves serve a purpose and were they perhaps used to hold offerings etc for the performance of some ceremony or ritual?

Although visible from the roadside, the monument looks a bit insignificant in its present location surrounded by gorse bushes and plantation.

One can't help think that if the stone was to occupy a central position in a field that it would certainly make an imposing sight.

Directions: From Dungarvan take the R672 for Lismore. After 3.5 km you reach the junction with the N72. Continue on the N72 westwards for about 7 km till you reach the crossroads junction with the R671. Turn right here and continue 4km to the village of Millstreet. In the centre of this very small village there is a turn to the left uphill just before an old disused pub. Drive through the first crossroads and soon you will see Dyrick Hill on the right. Just after the hill where the road bears right there is a gate on the left at the bend. From here you can see the stone about 150 metres away.

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