Leacht in Sceilg Mhichíl

KE104A-001003- Leacht: Located close to the SW end of the terrace are the poorly preserved remains of this rectangular drystone structure. It measures 1.6m NE-SW x 1.1m NW-SW and is up to 0.45m high. Described in 1990 as follows; 'At the western end of the terrace approximately one meter east of the rock face are the remains of a rectangular stone-built structure 1.1 by 1.6 meters; its present height above the level of the pavement is 0.45 meter (Fig. 34). The basic structure is well preserved, but the uppermost level has been damaged by weathering. This setting of stones is the remains of a leacht' (Horn et. al. 1990, 42). See attached figure 34 taken from Horn, W., White Marshall, J. and Rourke, G. 1990 The forgotten hermitage of Skellig Michael and plan of south terrace taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 282. 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. 948. 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: 28 February 2022

Linked to St. Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl), this site reflects the saint's widespread veneration in early Christian Ireland, often associated with protection and healing. Leachs, or stone altars, were commonly used for ritual purposes and may have been connected to local pilgrimage or seasonal ceremonies.