Standing Stone

This is actually one of a pair but I preferred this one it on its own. Another large stone lies in a nearby field wall so it's possible that these were once a row of three. The row points to a distinctive notch on the horizon which probably marks a sun or moon event.

In the distance you may be able to make out the radar domes atop Mount Gabriel, site of prehistoric copper mines but now bristling with communications equipment, including the cross Atlantic air traffic control beacon and also the source of our unreliable broadband signal - so this has reached you via that mountain!

Although the grass around the stone is lush and green, it's practically a mono-culture, quite unlike the rich and colourful diversity of the fields on Aran where we were recently.

There must be a pertinent point to make about the old and new after all that - but you get the idea.