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The Back Chair Legend

Cairns on north shore, Lough Fergus, Roscommon Legend Prehistoric

Lough Fergus, a serene and mysterious spot in County Clare, Ireland, is home to an intriguing legend about a peculiar stone formation known as the Back Chair. This ancient site, situated on the north shore of the lough, features a collection of cairns, one of which was said to resemble a chair. Locals believed that sitting on this stone chair could cure backache, drawing people to the site in search of relief. The lough itself was also shrouded in mystique, with claims that its water could never boil and was capable of curing diseases in cattle.

Delving deeper into the history of this enigmatic site, it's clear that the Back Chair was more than just a peculiar rock formation - it was a place of local reverence. The fact that people would travel to sit on the stone chair in the hopes of alleviating back pain speaks to the site's significance in the community. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date of these events, the persistence of the legend suggests that the site has held a special place in the hearts of locals for generations. Interestingly, the unique properties attributed to the lough's water - its supposed inability to boil and its curative effects on livestock - only add to the mystique of this already captivating location.

Historical Context

The site dates back to prehistoric times, with the cairns and the Back Chair being part of a larger megalithic complex.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Megalithic Site
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown