Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Stiles for Humans (But not cats 😉 )
Here’s a brilliant story that I heard in Valencia from a man called Micheal Lyne yesterday. As there is a slate quarry on the island there are great examples of slate being used for everyday purposes including these stiles which you find around the walked houses around Knightstiwn.
Now I’ve seen similar designed stiles in other counties before, but not as plentiful and designed as these. They are beautiful objects in many ways and Michael told me that they were designed so that one human foot and leg could fit perfectly through. However, he also said that as children they were told that they would stop cats coming in because at their narrowest point at the bottom l, it was designed in such a way that a cat whiskers would rub off the left and right and this would deter the cats from crossing!
Now I know and Michael knows that this isn’t true but it’s one of those lovely childish folkloric stories that gets passed on and on. Naturally the people in this part of the visions had gardens and I’d say the odd the cow or goat might have grazed the long acre and this was a preventative measure. A story nonetheless and it’s one that will stick with me and any time I’ll see a stile like this, I’ll think of Michael and his story about the cats.
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This recording was created as part of a wider Oral History and Research Project conducted by Michael for a project entitled 'Stories around the Cable'. The project was undertaken by Michael with the support of Creative Ireland, the National Monuments Service and Kerry County Council.
The series of video interviews aims to highlight various local stories and preserve the voices and histories of the people who are connected to the island and its past. Thanks to everyone involved in helping share these histories and stories.
Stiles for Humans (But not cats 😉 )
Here’s a brilliant story that I heard in Valencia from a man called Micheal Lyne yesterday. As there is a slate quarry on the island there are great examples of slate being used for everyday purposes including these stiles which you find around the walked houses around Knightstiwn.
Now I’ve seen similar designed stiles in other counties before, but not as plentiful and designed as these. They are beautiful objects in many ways and Michael told me that they were designed so that one human foot and leg could fit perfectly through. However, he also said that as children they were told that they would stop cats coming in because at their narrowest point at the bottom l, it was designed in such a way that a cat whiskers would rub off the left and right and this would deter the cats from crossing!
Now I know and Michael knows that this isn’t true but it’s one of those lovely childish folkloric stories that gets passed on and on. Naturally the people in this part of the visions had gardens and I’d say the odd the cow or goat might have grazed the long acre and this was a preventative measure. A story nonetheless and it’s one that will stick with me and any time I’ll see a stile like this, I’ll think of Michael and his story about the cats.
.......................................
This recording was created as part of a wider Oral History and Research Project conducted by Michael for a project entitled 'Stories around the Cable'. The project was undertaken by Michael with the support of Creative Ireland, the National Monuments Service and Kerry County Council.
The series of video interviews aims to highlight various local stories and preserve the voices and histories of the people who are connected to the island and its past. Thanks to everyone involved in helping share these histories and stories.
