Ecclesiastical enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

On an island of dry land surrounded by bog with good views in all directions. The island of Derrynaflan is derived from the Irish 'Doire na bhflann' meaning 'The Oak wood of the Flanns' but is known locally as 'Goban Saor's Island' (Ryan 1980, 10). Originally the monastery was known as Doire-Eidnigh meaning the Derry or Oak-Wood of the Ivy (Byrne 1980, 116). This monastery celebrated the feast day of St. Corconutan a 7th-century saint on the 3rd of November (ibid.). The foundation of the monastery is assigned to St Ruahan of Lorrhain the 6th century (Harbison 1970, 226). The monastery acquired its present name by the association with two prominent clerics of the early 9th century, Fland mac Duib Thuinne of Dairinis who died in 821 and Fland mac Fairchellaig, abbot of Lismore who died in 825 (ibid.). The island was originally enclosed by a bank and outer fosse which is visible only in places. On its eastern side the bog has covered the enclosing bank and fosse (Ryan 1980, 10). In 1987 an outer enclosing fosse on the E side of the island was excavated, the fosse was broad and shallow (Wth 3m; D 0.7m) and no finds were uncovered from the fosse feature (Ó Floinn 1988, 24-5). Later activity was indicated by a series of spade furrows enclosed by a low field bank with external fosse and a large refuse pit. Outside this embanked area to the S spreads of charcoal and ash flecked with soil indicated the presence of structures in the immediate vicinity. Stone roof slates from the medieval chancel were also found (Ó Floinn 1986, 37).

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 26 August 2011

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 2/1980.).

References

Ryan, M. 1980 An Early Christian hoard from Derrynaflan, Co. Tipperary. North Munster Antiquarian Journal 22, 9-26.

Byrne, F. J. 1980 Derrynavlan: the historical context. In Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 110, 116-26.

Ó Floinn, R. 1988 'Derrynaflan', Lurgoe: monastic settlement. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 1987: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 24-5. Bray. Wordwell.

Ó Floinn, R. 1986 Lurgoe (Derrynaflan): monastic settlement. In C. Cotter (ed.), Excavations 1985: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 37. Dublin. Irish Academic Publications.