Penitential station in Allihies

In rough grazing at roadside. Semi-circular area defined on straight side (L 9m) by roadway and by arc of field fence NW->SE. Three small cairns of quartz stones and a boulder (diam. 1m) in interior. According to local information, 'rounds' were made here in the past; also know as 'the landing place of the Children of Lir' (O'Shea and Crowley 1972, 94). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Linked to the tradition of penitential stations used during the Stations of the Resurrection pilgrimage route associated with St. Patrick’s Holy Wells, the site reflects an early Christian practice of prayer and pilgrimage. The quartz cairns and boulder may signify waypoints or places of prayer along the route, with quartz stones often associated with sacred or healing sites in Irish tradition.