What is recorded here
Indicated is a large clochan on a stepped Kerry platform, reached by two flights of steps and built with a tall apertured dome. Its inward-projecting stones and opposed upper recesses suggest a lived-in cell rather than a dead monument. The place still presents itself as a chamber for thought, prayer or solitude, with every measurement pointing to human use.
Clochán (Cell) E described in 1996 as follows; 'Clochaun E: This large clochaun, located on the NE side of clochaun D [KE104A001036-], is constructed on a broad stepped platform which rises over 3m above the level of the main terrace at SE. It is approached by a flight of steps, located close to leachta [KE104A001046-] and [KE104A001053-], which ascends to the lower level of the platform from where a further flight rises to the doorway. A large number of slabs project from the external face of the dome, and two offsets occur above the level of the doorway; the uppermost of these circuits the building. The doorway stands 1.34m high and inclines in elevation from a basal width of 0.85m to 0.65m under the head. The floor of the clochaun, measuring 3.8m square, slopes down towards the doorway and is flagged with large slabs. Five stones project internally from the wall at an average height of 1.7m, while four 0.4m deep recesses occur at a height of 2.25m. The latter are arranged in opposed pairs and may have served as beam-holes. The apertured dome is 3.6m high' (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 278-90, no. 948, (9)).
See attached LiDAR image of monastery with Clochán labelled 'Cell E' [No. 15], taken from Bourke, Hayden and Lynch 2011, 7.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of revised upload: 7 March 2022
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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