I don't know where to begin with this wondrous place. It is an experience all of its own. The Mide Stone or The Catstone is a massive piece of rock that is now crumbling, but with a certain grace. It is set in a small, shallow henge next to the most exquisite hawthorn glade. The power of this stone is almost overpowering and the energy that has gathered here over the centuries from the Bealtaine celebrations oozes out.
The stone sits on the southern side of The Hill Of Uisneach, possibly the most important hill in Ireland alongside Barrow (County Meath).
The hawthorn glade is a magical place all of its own. There are several rocks with deep gouges or grooves in them and many ribbons left as offerings adorn the trees. Many other people, thankfully, have come here to experience the wonders on offer here, sadly perhaps only around Beltaine.
This is a must visit site when dealing with Ireland just because of its importance in Irish history.
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The one thing I wasn't expecting was to think that the stone has collapsed a little, but I think it has moved a little.
This massive eratic (which must have been moved to where it sits) is an amazing piece of rock. The little depression that it sits in adds to its mistique and the little grove next to it is still enchanting, although somebody has taken down all the ribbons and offerings from the tress for some reason. Spoilsports!
| Tom Fairley from Dromore Down |   |
From Mullingar take the R390 south west. Look out for a sign pointing to Hill Of Uisneach by a picnic site. Continue until you see a sign pointing to 'The Catstone'. Park here and go through the horse gate on the other side of the road. The stone is diagonally up the hill to the left (about 500m).
A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
 Glasnamullen (Co. Wicklow) |  Ballygilbert (Co. Antrim) |  Kilmogue (Co. Kilkenny) |
 Kilnasaggart (Co. Armagh) |  Mullamast Long Stone (Co. Kildare) |  Carncome (Co. Antrim) |
