Ecclesiastical enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

This overgrown site is located on the W side of the Finglas river and overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay to W. Subcircular in plan, it is defined by a ring of large boulders and small stones and measures 26m N-S x 29m E-W internally. Abutting the external face of the enclosure at NE, and .65m below the level of its interior, are the foundations of a rectangular structure, possibly an oratory (KE098-049002-), which measure 5.35m ENE-WSW x 2.85m NNW-SSE internally. The walls, of drystone construction, survive only one to two courses high and average .65m thick. The W end of the building merges with the enclosing element of the site. No entrance feature is apparent.
A large burial area (KE098-049005-), 16m square, occupies the interior of the enclosure at E. It is defined by a dense concentration of uninscribed grave-markers which average .4m high. Close to the E limit of the site stands a rough, broken, stone cross (KE098-049003-), 1.34m high and .37m wide at base, with only the E arm surviving.

The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 930. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 30 July 2013