Clochan

The National Monuments Service's description

Clochán (Cell) E described in 1996 as follows; 'Clochaun E: This large clochaun, located on the NE side of clochaun D [KE104A001036-], is constructed on a broad stepped platform which rises over 3m above the level of the main terrace at SE. It is approached by a flight of steps, located close to leachta [KE104A001046-] and [KE104A001053-], which ascends to the lower level of the platform from where a further flight rises to the doorway. A large number of slabs project from the external face of the dome, and two offsets occur above the level of the doorway; the uppermost of these circuits the building. The doorway stands 1.34m high and inclines in elevation from a basal width of 0.85m to 0.65m under the head. The floor of the clochaun, measuring 3.8m square, slopes down towards the doorway and is flagged with large slabs. Five stones project internally from the wall at an average height of 1.7m, while four 0.4m deep recesses occur at a height of 2.25m. The latter are arranged in opposed pairs and may have served as beam-holes. The apertured dome is 3.6m high' (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 278-90, no. 948, (9)).

See attached LiDAR image of monastery with Clochán labelled 'Cell E' [No. 15], taken from Bourke, Hayden and Lynch 2011, 7.

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

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

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.