Clochan

The National Monuments Service's description

Clochán (Cell) F described in 1996 as follows; 'Clochaun F: This structure is located close to the E end of the main terrace [KE104A001105-], just N of the leacht-type structure known as the Monks' Graveyard [KE104A001046-]. An offset occurs 0.5m above the level of its doorway. The dome of the 3.8m high roof apparently collapsed between c. 1870 and 1891, when it was rebuilt and capped with a slab featuring a circular perforation (Henry 1957, 125). Measuring 2.5m square at the level of its roughly flagged floor, its doorway stands 1.2m high and inclines in elevation from 0.62m at base to 0.45m under the head. Three wall-niches occur in the interior, varying from .6m to 1.2m in height above floor level. Five stones project internally from the wall at an average height of 1.9m, and six more occur at an average height of 2.45m. Two low slabs, set on edge at right angles to each other in the centre of the floor, may represent the sides of a hearth' (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 278-90, no. 948 (10)).

See attached LiDAR image of monastery with Clochán labelled 'Cell F' [No. 16], 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

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.

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.

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