School

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, on a N-facing slope. Recorded in the 1940s as 'a much broken down cathairín known as Sean Cúirt' in Denis J. Cremins land (Schools Manuscript, Co. Kerry). It was 'oval in shape 16 feet [4.87m] by 13 feet [3.96m]' and the wall was '3.5 feet [1.06m] wide and completely fallen' (Schools Manuscript, Co. Kerry). According to local information, it was removed in the course of field clearance many years ago. It is not visible at ground level, but a large mound of stones and other field clearance rubble is piled up just to the E. Cronin (2001, 124) translates the word ' Cúirt' as 'Court' which were bardic schools or the meeting places of poets. The annual get-together was often on a date which would coinside with a local event in the area and this fits in very well with 'Sean-Chúirt' the 'famous Court … close by the foothills of Dha Chich Danann' not far from 'the City' (KE068-022001-) where 'vast numbers assembled on May Day each year' (Cronin 2001, 125). Cronin (ibid.) goes on to state that 'this famous ruin' is gone but that it was 'oval in shape' and comprised of 'two apartments'.

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

Date of upload: 31 January 2011