Like Scotland, Iceland, and the Basque region, Ireland has a strong tradition of lifting large, cumbersome stones as a rite of passage to manhood. The tradition was particularly strong in Co. Galway and is recalled in Liam O’Flaherty’s 1937 short story ‘The Stone’ in which an old Aran islander perishes striving to lift the stone he once raised in the vigour of his youth. O’Flaherty wrote:

‘It was a great day in each young man’s life when he raised the stone from the ground and ‘gave it wind’ as they said. And if he raised it to his knees, he was a champion, the equal of the best. And if he raised it to his chest, he was a hero, a phenomenon of strength and the men talked of him. Whereas, he who failed to lift it from the ground became the butt of everybody’s scorn. It had always been so, from the time of the most remote ancestors of the people.’
Many lifting stones have survived along the Galway coast and those who lifted them are well remembered in local folklore.

Over the last number of years, David Keohan – who hails from Waterford city and holds a kettlebell-lifting world record – has been on a mission to locate, lift and document lifting stones across Ireland and, in doing so, bring back this lost element of Irish culture. Join David as he discusses the stone lifting tradition with a particular focus on Galway, where the tradition appears strongest. David would be particularly eager to hear from people with any knowledge of lifting stones or lifting traditions in their locality.

The event is free of charge, but advance booking is essential as places are limited. For further details or to make a booking, please contact the Museum by calling (091) 532460 or emailing Museum@GalwayCity.ie

Suitable for adults and young people aged 12+