Clochan

The National Monuments Service's description

Turrasyline/Turas Fhlainn: (KE026-003----) Classification of this site is difficult due to the very ruined and disturbed nature of the remains. The turas from which the site derives its name was performed here within living memory and included a visit to Tobar Fhlainn (KE026-002----), at the base of the sea-cliffs c. 500m to N. This suggests an ecclesiastical origin for the site and a local tradition of a church here further supports this interpretation.

The site lies on a very steep slope overlooking Brandon Bay to SE, within a field that is criss-crossed by both an old and a recently-excavated trackway. The present remains consist of the ruins of 3 or 4 clochauns and 3 piles of stones which may have been penitential stations.

The best-preserved structure (KE026-003005-) lies on the E side of the recent track and consists of a circular drystone corbelled clochaun measuring 3.7m in diameter internally. The wall is 1.8m wide and a maximum of 1.8m high and the entrance is represented by a 1.4m wide gap at S. A recess in the wall, at the present level of the ground surface in the interior, measures .7m in width, .6m in depth and .4m in height.

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 872. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 8 August 2013