What is recorded here

Cross-slab in Cill Rialaigh stands on the steep SE slopes of Bolus Head, overlooking Kenmare Bay and the Beara Peninsula. The cashel wall encloses an oratory, circular hut, three rectangular buildings, a cross-slab and covered passage, while a separate platform north holds a leacht and another cross-slab. The site remained a ceallúnach until the nineteenth century, suggesting people still walked these narrow stone paths long after grander churches faded elsewhere.

Situated on the steep SE slopes of Bolus Head, from which it commands a magnificent view over the mouth of Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula at S, KE097-044001- comprises a strong cashel wall which encloses an oratory, a circular hut, three rectangular buildings, a cross-slab and a covered passage. Just outside the enclosure, at N, is a rectangular platform with a leacht and a cross-slab. This site was in use as a ceallúnach until the nineteenth century (OSNB Prior, 51), and a holy well is located c. 90m to SW (KE097-059----). Rectangular Buildings: (3) Abutting the enclosure at SE, this structure measures 5.6m NW-SE x 2.6m NE-SW internally. Its internal angles are slightly rounded and the entrance occurs in the NW side-wall. The building may be of relatively recent date. 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. 951. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

Cross-slab in Cill Rialaigh likely dates to the early Christian period, associated with monastic or ecclesiastical activity in the region. The slab may have served as a memorial or liturgical cross, reflecting the spiritual significance of the site within a broader network of religious settlements in west Cork.

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