Structure

The National Monuments Service's description

In the NE sector of a terrace (KE104A001102-) known as the 'Lower Monks' Garden' on Sceilg Mhichíl. A rectangular structure, indicated by the linear remains of a drystone wall (L c. 4m NE-SW; T c. 0.6m; H c. 1m) with a short return to the SE at both ends, was revealed during excavation and conservation repairs. A clochán (KE104A001066-) lies c. 3m to the N (pers. comm. E. Bourke).
Described in 2011 as follows; 'A drystone structure (F1022) with a small jamb was visible on the surface of the slope, protruding from the campion. This feature, which was the north wall of a small structure, measured 2.5m east to west and had a small southward projection at its east side that terminated in a jamb. This jamb measured 0.2m out from the south face of the wall and was slightly splayed. The surviving length of wall being so small, it was impossible to interpret this feature. What can be said of it is that it is at a higher level than the surviving stones of the wall-walk of the original enclosing wall (F640) and therefore must date from a time when that wall-walk was no longer in use. It can also be shown that it lies beneath the paving surrounding Cell G [KE104A001066-]. Thus it can be shown that there are at least two phases of early medieval activity that post-date the original outer enclosing wall' (Bourke, Hayden and Lynch 2011, 114-15).

See attached plan of structure labelled F1022, showing the 'Guesthouse' Number 21 taken from Bourke, Hayden and Lynch 2011, 114, and Google Earth orthoimage taken 01/01/2007

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). 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: 7 March 2022

References

Bourke, E., Hayden, A. and Lynch, A. 2011 Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry: the monastery and South Peak. Archaeological stratigraphic report: excavations 1986–2010 (E338; 90E34; 93E195). Dept. of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Dublin.