What is recorded here

Kilgobban’s church stood beside Tralee Bay from at least 1302 until a new building replaced it in 1824, yet no Early Christian remains are still visible. The oval limestone font inside the present church bears the inscription W COLLIS RECTOR 1729, preserving a brief human mark from the older structure. The nearby names Tonakilly and Bunatemple still point toward the lost temple, while the bay keeps the louder share of the story.

The parish church (KE036-016001-) and graveyard (KE036-016002-) of Kilgobban/Cill Gobáin lie about 125m from the sea-shore on the S side of Tralee Bay. There is no visible trace of any Early Christian remains or of the parish church mentioned in the Papal Taxation List for the diocese of Ardfert, 1302-1307 (Cal Docs Ire, V, 295). In 1615, both the 'church and chancel' were 'well' (Royal Visitation) and the building was still in repair in 1756 (Smith, 70). This church was probably demolished when the present Church of Ireland edifice was erected at the site in 1824. An oval, limestone font (KE036-016003-) preserved within the church bears the inscription W COLLIS RECTOR 1729. The townland directly W of the site is named Tonakilly/Tón na Cille and the name Bunatemple/Bun an Teampaill is applied to a spot on the nearby sea-shore. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 819. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.