Ecclesiastical enclosure in Baile An Chalaidh

Kilmore/An Chill Mhór: This is the larger of 2 enclosures which lie within 30m of each other on low-lying level ground about 250m S of Ferriter's Cove. It is circular in plan, measuring 40.5m in diameter internally, and is enclosed by a stone wall, 1.1 to 2.4m wide and up to 1.6m high. The entrance at SSE is 1.55m wide and is marked on either side by an upright slab, 1.32 and 1.18m high; a modern wall now blocks the gap. The gap at WSW is a secondary feature. The interior was formerly cultivated (OSNB Dunurlin, 17) and the only feature now visible is a stony mound on which stands a cross-inscribed stone. The mound measures 14.2m E-W x 10.3m N-S and a slight depression in its upper surface measures 4 x 3.3m. The cross-slab (KE042-037002-) stands on the SE side of the mound and is 1.23m high, .5m wide and .09m thick. Its E face bears a simple Latin cross, the head of which is now ill-defined; the end of the shaft is buried beneath the ground. The W face also bears a simple Latin cross, with a bifurcated or 'fish-tail' terminal at its head. The circular depression below the right arm is a natural feature. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 814. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013