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 ground to E and NE of KE026-003005- has been terraced and the outline of a possible hut (KE026-003006-) can also be discerned here. A 4.2m long section of the outer wall face stands to a height of .6m but otherwise the outline is indicated by a low mound of stone collapse. The masonry differs from that used in the other structures in that the stones used are considerably larger, averaging about .75m in length, and the possibility exists that this walling was part of an enclosure wall rather than, or perhaps as well as, a hut. However, no further traces of an enclosure wall are evident.

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