Attractions
NINE STONES, SLIEVEBAWN
The true origin of a famous landmark known as “The Nine Stones” is
lost in antiquity. The stones are probably of the early or pre-Christian
era when nine was a mystical number being a trinity of trinities etc.,
but varying traditions mark it as: the final resting place of nine
chieftains; a place where nine rebels were killed; the burial place of
1798 heroes killed by Yoemen returning from the battle of Newtownbarry
(Bunclody); or the burial place of nine shepherds. A custom in the old
days was for those passing to place a small stone on the graves of those
buried there.
The Nine Stones
One of the more unusual stories about the legend of the
Nine Stones was recorded in 1945 by an Irish Tourist Board survey which
said St. Moling, travelling hungrily on the road met a man who had a bag
on his back. The Saint asked the man if there was bread in the bag
(which there was) but he replied “No! Stones”. St. Moling replied, “If
stones may they be turned into bread and if bread may they be turned
into stones”. The man unburdened himself and the stones are there still!
Sepulchral cairn on Sliabh Ban
Dawn Mass, Easter Sunday on Mount Leinster