Penitential station in Baile An Chalaidh

Kilbeg/An Chill Bheag: A subrectangular enclosure KE042-038001- located about 30m E of Kilmore. The cross-inscribed bullaun stone and the 3 cross-inscribed stones that lie within the site are probably the penitential stations noted on the OS maps. The centre of the enclosure is occupied by a rectangular mound of stones with a slightly depressed interior. It measures 11.1m NE-SW x c. 5.5m NW-SE x c. 0.4m in height and 3 stones stand upright near its W edge. Curran (no. 26) suggested that the mound was formerly a church but it is possible that it accumulated gradually as pilgrims to the site deposited stones while performing rounds. Cross-inscribed stones formerly stood at each corner of the enclosure (Curran) but only two of these remain in situ; a 3rd lies loose against the S wall and the 4th is now missing. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 815. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013

A penitential station associated with early Christian pilgrimage practices, linked to the nearby Kilbeg (Church of the Little Church), featuring cross-inscribed stones used in ritual penance. Such sites were often connected to local saints or monastic traditions, though specific folklore or saintly associations for this location remain undocumented.