What is recorded here

Killoluaig holds a ceallúnach where grave markers, a leacht and a holed stone still mark oval pasture. A fragment of a possible bullaun stone lay at the base of a standing stone until the early 1950s, suggesting water, prayer or sacrifice once moved through that place. The field has lost little of its shape, though much of its meaning has slipped from common speech.

Situated in level pasture, KE088-010002- occupies a roughly rectangular area which is delimited by modern field boundaries. Within this is an oval-shaped enclosure, an earthwork complex and a number of house sites. The enclosure contains a leacht and a gable-shrine, a holed stone, and numerous uninscribed grave-markers which relate to the use of the site as a ceallúnach (OSNB Killemlagh, 20). A pillar stone is incorporated into the external face of the enclosing element at S. A second ceallúnach (KE088-011001-) is located a short distance to E. A standing stone (KE08-010004-) of regular elevation projects from the outer face of the enclosure KE088-010012- at SSW. A fragment of a stone basin, possibly a bullaun stone (KE088-010009-) is reputed to have lain at the base of this stone up to the early 1950s (Henry 1957, 100). 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. 960. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

Likely dating to the Early Christian period, the bullaun stone may have been used for ritual purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or as a site for pilgrimages. Such stones are often associated with local saints and folklore, though specific traditions for this site are not recorded.

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