THE MOTTEE STONE
THE MOTTEE
STONE
POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › The Mottee Stone
Located majestically atop the Cronebane Ridge in the scenic heart of County Wicklow, The Mottee Stone is an evocative monument to both the ancient forces of nature and the rich tapestry of Irish folklore. Sitting at an elevation of 240 metres above the sweeping Avoca Valley, this 150-tonne granite glacial erratic is a geological anomaly, dropped by retreating ice sheets over 10,000 years ago onto a landscape composed entirely of slate. Its massive presence feels deliberate and almost otherworldly.
Unique Features
According to local legend, the mythical giant Fionn mac Cumhaill hurled the boulder from the peak of nearby Lugnaquilla using a hurling stick. Today, it stands as a solitary sentinel. The stone's most unique feature is a series of rustic iron rungs embedded directly into its flank, allowing the adventurous to scale its 3-metre height. From the summit, the 360-degree panorama is nothing short of breathtaking. On a clear day, you can gaze across five different counties, admire the imposing silhouette of the Wicklow Mountains and, if you’re lucky, even catch a glimpse of the Welsh coastline shimmering across the Irish Sea.
Best Experience
For the best experience, time your visit for a crisp, clear morning or golden hour to fully appreciate the cascading light across the valley. Be sure to walk around the boulder three times before you leave - local superstition promises it will grant you a wish.
Keep in mind that the approach road can be exceptionally rugged with natural stone bumps, so take your time driving to preserve your vehicle's suspension.
General Information
Location
Cronebane, Avoca, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. The site is reached via a rough, uneven dirt track, and ascending the stone requires climbing steep, narrow iron rungs.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours.
Entry
FREE
Parking
FREE
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