In earlier times, cairns were considered sacred waypoints on pilgrimages. People would add a stone as they passed by – a symbolic act of devotion, remembrance, or gratitude. The painted stones with names or messages show that this place is individually charged – like a small open-air shrine. Cairns on Omey combine pre-Christian and Christian traditions – from pagan rituals to Christian pilgrimage sites like the nearby Saint Feichin’s Well. This cairn is not an official monument, but a living symbol of remembrance and spirituality, created together by visitors from all over the world. Each stone tells a story, be it grief, thanksgiving, hope – or simply a silent remembrance of a loved one like “Helen.”