 In Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, Lower Lough Erne, stand two unique stone carvings: the Boa Island figure and the Lustymore Island figure, which are now found together. While the Caldragh graveyard dates from the Irish early Christian period, both of the stone figures are generally accepted to be the likeness of pagan deities and are dated to the Bronze Age..
The larger of the figures is the Boa Island bilateral figure. It is called a Janus-figure because it has two faces. It is thought to represent a Celtic deity and could represent a Celtic goddess as readily as a god, especially given the name of the island. The smaller figure is known as the Lustyman, because it was found on the nearby island of Lusty More. Some claim it is in fact a female figure.
The reasons for creating these stone sculptures and the dates of their creation are not certain. They may have been part of pre-Christian religious sites, or they may have been made by early Christians who included older pagan beliefs in their grave sites. Beyond the figures are the remains of a early ecclesiastical enclosure.
About Boa Island (Inis Badhbha)
Irish Antiquities: Boa Island Stone Figures
Megalithic Portal: Boa Island
Megalithic Ireland: Boa Island
Wikipedia: Boa Island
Journey to Boa Island (Inis Badhbha)
Boa Island is an island located near the north shore of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and is 15-1/2 miles from Enniskillen. The A47 road goes through the length of the island. This road joins each end of the island to the mainland by bridges leading west toward Castle Caldwell and east toward Kesh.
Map Reference: H085620
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Boa Island may be found at geograph.ie website. General tourist information may be found at the Discover Northern Ireland: County Fermanagh website.
Additional Photos of Boa Island (Inis Badhbha)
Caldragh Graveyard, Site of Boa Island Figures
Close-Up of One Side of Boa Island Figure
Opposite Side of Boa Island Figure
Side of Boa Island Figure
Lusty Man Figure, Boa Island
Caldragh Cemetery, Boa Island
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