Penitential station in Inishcaltra OR Holy Island

Situated in a small clearing in a very overgrown area close to the site of St. Michael’s church (CL029-009004-) on Inis Cealtra. A flat boulder with a smooth, trapezoidal shaped, upper face (max. L 1.25m; max. Wth at E 1m; Wth at W 0.43m; traceable H 0.38m). According to the OS Letters (O’Flanagan 1927, vol. 2, 228), pilgrims went ‘7 times round a large flag stone [at St. Michael’s garden]….on which they finally (i.e.after having gone round it 7 times) impressed kisses.’ The way into the clearing had been recently opened as there had been a gathering on the island for Mass. A stone step (Wth 1.65m) adjacent to the stone may have been associated with St. Michael's church. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 21 October 2015

A penitential station associated with Inis Cealtra, traditionally linked to early Christian pilgrimage practices, where visitors would perform acts of penance. The site is connected to the broader monastic history of the island, which was an important religious center dedicated to St. Michael.