5,000-year-old Hill of Tara stone vandalised

The Lia Fáil, Stone of Destiny, on the Hill of Tara, which was damaged in the attack.Photograph: Ciara Wilkinson

A 5,000-year-old standing stone has been vandalised on the Hill of Tara in Co Meath.

The Lia Fáil granite piece, also known as the Stone of Destiny, was apparently damaged with a heavy object, possibly a hammer.

Culture Minister Jimmy Deenihan said the damage to the national monument amounted to a "mindless act of vandalism".

In recent days, it was noticed the stone had been struck with a heavy object and fragments of it had broken off.

Archaeologist Conor Newman, chairman of the Heritage Council, described the attack as "shocking".

The stone is one of the main attractions at the former seat of the High Kings of Ireland.

Legend has it the Stone of Destiny would roar with joy when touched by the rightful king of Tara.

An inspection by an archaeologist with the National Monuments Service has concluded it was struck with a hammer or similar instrument at 11 separate places "on all four faces of the stone".
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Irish Examiner