Ecclesiastical enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

This site is located on the lower S facing slopes of Knocknaskereighta. It consists of an enclosure containing the foundations of an oratory and a rectangular building. A stone cross stands just outside the enclosure at W.
The site is depicted on the first edition of the OS map as an oval enclosure with a N-S field wall traversing its E sector. No trace of the enclosure is now apparent E of this boundary, and the surviving section measures 21m N-S x 26m E-W internally. The over-grown enclosing element at N comprises a low curving scarp, revetted in places with upright slabs and drystone facing, on top of which is a collapsed stony bank up to .4m high and 1.8m wide. The interior of the site slopes down to S, where it is delimited by a poorly preserved rampart, 1.3m in average width, which is faced externally with large slabs surmounted by dry-stone walling. This facing survives up to lm high and curves to W. A possible entrance gap, 2.4m wide, is located at the point where it meets the scarp at N.
Oratory (KE088-029001-): This poorly preserved structure is located against the scarp at N, and its E end-wall is overlain by the modern field wall. It measures 3.6m E-W x 2.8m N-S internally and its drystone-built, corbelled walls stand to a maximum height of .9m at its SW angle. They average 1.1m thick and comprise horizontal courses of dressed slabs and pinnings. A large gap occurs in the S wall, while another at W, .7m wide, may represent the doorway. On the S side of the oratory is a 2m wide raised area which is revetted by upright slabs and intermittent drystone facing.
Rectangular Building (KE088-029003-): This structure is located towards the centre of the enclosure and consists of an area, 6m E-W x 4.2m N-S, enclosed by a stony bank which is poorly preserved at S. Traces of drystone revetting are apparent internally at W and N, and the bank averages 1.3m wide. Two upright slabs, possibly grave-markers, occur in its interior. A short distance outside its NW corner is a 6m long stretch of upright slabs.
Stone Cross (KE088-029002-): This cross stands 5.5m W of the site, near the possible entrance; it is .95m high and measures .34m x .07m at base.

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. 955. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 12 June 2013