'Idiotic and callous' vandalism damages historic bullaun stone at Glendalough

The Deerstone legend features starving newborn twins, a desperate father, a saint, and a deer

Fire damage to the Deerstone at Glendalough. Pictures: Pat Reid

Vandalism at an ancient 'basin' stone with an unusual legend attached to it has prompted an investigation into what can be done to restore it or halt any further damage.

The Bullaun Stone at Derrybawn, in Glendalough in County Wicklow is also known as the 'Deerstone'. The name comes from a story that a deer shed its milk into the granite basin at a request from St Kevin.