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Image from 'Made of Stone' RTÉ documentary RTÉ
made of stone
Public warned stone lifting can cause ‘archaeological damage’ as RTÉ airs documentary on tradition
The documentary follows David Keohan as he goes around the country finding and lifting Ireland’s ancient lifting stones.
THE PUBLIC HAS been warned that stone lifting can cause “serious archaeological damage” as RTÉ airs a documentary on the ancient tradition.
Tonight at 9.35pm on RTÉ One, the broadcaster aired ‘Made of Stone’.
The documentary follows David Keohan, who goes by Indiana Stones, as he goes around the country finding and lifting Ireland’s ancient lifting stones.
In its promo, RTÉ said that Keohan “uncovers a forgotten culture and lost history along the way”.
"It is the Irish people who brought the stories back" 📖#MadeOfStone follows David Keohan, AKA 'Indiana Stones', on his journey of reigniting, what he believes is a lost Irish culture, of lifting stones 💪
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) October 9, 2025
It becomes a story about our past and present, a story about community… pic.twitter.com/voQdPekTeP
A synopsis by RTÉ describes stone lifting as a “test of strength and endurance” and adds that Keohan “hopes to reignite it as an Irish tradition through his social media presence”.
However, in a joint statement this evening, the National Museum of Ireland and the National Monuments Service advised those who may be interested in the practice of lifting stones that “serious archaeological damage may be caused through this activity”.
The statement was posted to the Facebook page of the National Museum of Ireland and tagged RTÉ in the post.
The statement noted that archaeological stones are protected under legislation and urged the public to “avoid interfering with stones and/or locations which are archaeological in nature”.
Both archaeological objects and monuments have statutory protection under both the National Monuments Act and the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
This includes lifting archaeological stones in any location, or any stones which may be within, or constitute part of, a monument.
To do so may be a breach of the acts and could lead to prosecution.
“Ancient stones are fragile and susceptible to serious damage when dropped,” said the joint statement. “The surrounding soil can also be damaged by this practice.”
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