Ecclesiastical enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

This poorly preserved site is located on the S slopes of Geokaun, Valencia Island, overlooking Portmagee Channel. It is shown as a circular enclosure on the first edition of the OS map, while on the second edition it is marked is a sub-rectangular area. The present remains consist of a raised area, 22m N-S x 39m E-W, defined by a poorly preserved bank of earth and stone which is 2m in average width and up to 1.3m in external height. The remains of an entrance are located at NE and are marked on one side by two upright slabs, averaging 0.8m high. The interior of the site is roughly level with the top of its enclosing clement and contains the foundations of a circular hut, a rectangular building, and a possible leacht. Towards the centre of the site arc numerous upright slabs, which presumably relate to its period of use as a ceallúnach.
Circular Hut (KE078-002002-): The foundations of this structure occur close to the enclosing bank at WSW. Only the W half is apparent, where the wall measures 1.3m thick. The interior, which is 3m in diameter, is filled with loose stone. Immediately to S are two upright stones, 1m and 0.45m high. It is not clear if these stones are connected with the hut or if they functioned as grave-markers.
Rectangular Building (KE078-002----): Located close to the E boundary of the site, the poorly preserved foundations of this structure consist of intermittent upright slabs set on edge on both faces of a rubble core. This core averages 0.45m high and varies between 0.75m and 1.1m wide. The building measures 4.75m E-W x 3.6m N-S externally, and a 0.7m wide entrance gap, flanked by an upright at N, is apparent at W. Henry interpreted this building as a possible oratory (1957, 90).
Possible Leacht (KE078-002004-): This feature is located on the N side of the rectangular building and it consists of a raised stony area or mound, 3m N-S x 2m E-W, from which a number of upright slabs protrude. Adjacent to it, 2m to W, is a 5m long, N-S row of upright slabs which vary from 0.4m to 0.85m in height.

See attached plan taken from Henry 1957, fig. 14, 91.

The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 945. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 29 March 2022

References

O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. 1996 The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry. Cork University press.

Henry, F. 1957 Early Monasteries, Beehive Huts, and Dry-Stone Houses in the Neighbourhood of Caherciveen and Waterville (Co. Kerry). Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 58C, 45-166.