Skip to content

David Keohan The Wind Beneath The Stone

€19.85

New
Code 9781526691842

A compelling and heartwarming journey across Ireland to revive the lost tradition of stone lifting

Add to Basket
Description

Binding: Paperback

Date Published: 21 May 2026

'Fascinating, strange, groundbreaking research in an area that intersects folklore, history, mythology and strength training' THE BLINDBOY PODCAST

'I found this book, unlike its weighty subject, easy to pick up and hard to put down' PETER ROSS, AUTHOR OF UPON A WHITE HORSE

A compelling and heartwarming journey across Ireland to revive the lost tradition of stone lifting.


When world kettlebell lifting champion David Keohan heard about old tales of stone lifting, he was captivated. So he set off on a quest to see if he could rediscover any of these famous stones, and whether he could match the feats of the heroes of the past by lifting them to allow the wind beneath the stone once more.

Helped by a 1930s archive in which schoolchildren shared their local folklore, Keohan began to travel the country in search of the stones. They were often to be found hidden away in quiet villages or cemeteries, their purpose almost forgotten. But, as he journeyed round Ireland, he met those who recalled the stories of the stones, and the legends attached to them. Soon, others were joining him as he took on the challenge of lifting these pieces of history, the heaviest of which weighed well over 200 kilograms.

As Keohan's efforts gathered more and more attention, he came to realise that this was more than a personal challenge. Stone lifting had become a way for Irish people to reclaim their lost heritage and to come together to celebrate what made their homeland special. The Wind Beneath the Stone is an inspirational story of hope, togetherness and community, revealing how a simple challenge can take on a life of its own.

About the Author

David Keohan is an avid musician, with a degree in Fine Art and a world championship title in kettlebell sport. He has used this mix of creativity and single-minded focus to unearth and reanimate an entire lost culture of strength in Ireland, namely stone lifting. His efforts have garnered him national and international attention, with features in GQ and Mr Porter magazines as well as TV, podcast and documentary appearances. He lives with his family in Waterford in the south-east of Ireland.

Delivery Info

We provide FREE delivery in the Republic of Ireland when you spend €49 or more. 

FREE Click & Collect from The Ennis Bookshop. You will not be charged for this service.  We are happy to arrange Delivery outside Ireland. Please e-mail us at enquiries@ennisbookshop.ie for more information. 

Find out more about our Delivery & Collection services

Returns Policy

We want you to be completely satisfied with your order and we would hope to resolve any problems you may have. If you are unhappy with your purchase, we will exchange or refund the item or issue a credit note, providing the goods are not damaged and all packaging is still intact.

Terms and conditions apply.

Please view our full Returns Policy for further information.

Click to view complete product details

More Like This

Katriona O'Sullivan Poor

€15.95

Fascinating, strange, groundbreaking research in an area that intersects folklore, history, mythology and strength training -- THE BLINDBOY PODCAST
A grand tale told with vigour and charm. I found this book, unlike its weighty subject, easy to pick up and hard to put down -- PETER ROSS, author of Upon A White Horse
A fascinating read ... This book is not just about David's ability to lift great stones. By answering the call of the stones, he has rediscovered a deep spiritual connection to the Draiocht - the magic - of the landscape, folklore, mythology, history and the language of Ireland. Through his relationship with the stones, he describes a journey of reclamation and healing, and of becoming at one with this land -- EIMEAR BURKE, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
A gripping and glorious tale of the rediscovery of a lost Irish custom and the hunting down of the stones of strength themselves, which amazingly turn out to survive all over the country. David Keohan reveals how folklore offers profound connection to the landscape and the past - and the fine adventure there is to be had in seeking out (and in his case lifting!) storied stones. -- FIONA ROBERTSON, author of Stone Lands: A Journey of Darkness and Light Through Britain's Ancient Places
An excellent piece of literature embracing social history, folklore and storytelling with a nice literary style. A journey that enlightens and informs but also encourages us to reacquaint ourselves with what belongs to all of us: our language in its entirety and not just in its words -- SEAN O COISDEALBHA

Close

POP-IN HTML goes here

Close

Your Basket

Your basket is currently empty