Ecclesiastical enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

In rough pasture, on the lower N-facing slopes of The Paps of Dana. A roughly circular area (48m NW-SE; 46m NNE-SSW) defined by a stone wall (T 2.6m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 2.2m). The interior slopes gradually up from the perimeter to a central rounded area (KE068-022009-). The interior surface is uneven and rocky. Disused buildings abut the interior of the wall at S, W and NW. The entrance break at S leads to a road which winds around the internal enclosure which has the form of a cashel SE-NW. The ground slopes down from the external base of the wall NW-SE. Within the inner enclosure are a possible ogham stone (KE068-022002-), cross-inscribed stones (KE068-022003-), a penitential station (KE068-022004-), two possible hut sites (KE068-022010-, KE068-022011-) and a possible standing stone (KE068-0220005-). A holy well (KE068-022007-) abuts the external face of the inner wall, at WSW. The site, which is named 'Cathair Crobh Dearg', is known locally as 'An Chathair' or 'The City'. 'Local people speak of St. Crobh Dearg and that she was connected with St. Gobnait' of Ballyvourney, Co. Cork (SMR file). 'Rounds' were traditionally made here on 1st May, which is the feast day, but can continue until the 12th May (SMR file). A curving field boundary to the north, with an internal diameter if circular of 237m may represent an outer enclosing element to this ecclesiastical site. A cashel (KE068-023----) lies c. 100m to the SE.

Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork.

Date of upload: 31 January 2011

Revised entry: Margaret Keane 27 May 2019