Monumental structure in Ballyluoge

In low-lying farmland on N edge of an extensive bog. According to tradition, the bishops of Clonfert ordained priests on this site in the latter half of the 17th C. The visible remains comprise a rectangular enclosure (N-S.10m, E-W 7m) defined by an apparently modern low mortared stone and concrete wall. A small gate at N gives access to the interior which is partially overgrown. At S end is a modern stone-built altar and 'The Bishop's Chair', by which the site appears to be known locally. The latter comprises a large horizontal stone slab supported on two concrete legs with a gravestone-like slab forming the backstone. An inscription on the altar, dated 1971, gives details of the site's significance. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010