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The Wind Beneath the Stone: My Quest to Unearth a Piece of Ireland's Folklore
Bloomsbury presents The Wind Beneath the Stone written and read by David Keohan
‘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.
‘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.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy
David's journey is very unique. I would give this book more then 5 stars if I could. What started out as a alternative exercise regime, to build his strenght during covid became a quest to discover some of Ireland lost trials of lifting stone and the hidden magic behind their folklore.
Incredible research went into this book and lots of friendships were made along the way. The Wind beneath the stone is an incredible show of strength, resilience, determination, strong willpower, and powerful emotion, while also creating a lifetime of memories. He is a true inspiration that anything is possible.
I felt honored to have read this book before it was released.After listening to Davids many podcasts, while reading the book I could almost here his voice telling the stories. Its not very often a book like this falls into your hands.
Incredible research went into this book and lots of friendships were made along the way. The Wind beneath the stone is an incredible show of strength, resilience, determination, strong willpower, and powerful emotion, while also creating a lifetime of memories. He is a true inspiration that anything is possible.
I felt honored to have read this book before it was released.After listening to Davids many podcasts, while reading the book I could almost here his voice telling the stories. Its not very often a book like this falls into your hands.
September 2, 2026
This book makes we want to head to Ireland and lift some heavy stones!! Seriously, loved the culture of this book. It was a great telling and retelling of old Irish folklore and perhaps bringing some stories to light that have been brushed aside by the times. Wonderfully fun read.
September 3, 2026
Amazing read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews