Cross-slab in Cill Rialaigh

Situated on the steep SE slopes of Bolus Head, from which it commands a magnificent view over the mouth of Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula at S, KE097-044001- comprises a strong cashel wall which encloses an oratory, a circular hut, three rectangular buildings, a cross-slab and a covered passage. Just outside the enclosure, at N, is a rectangular platform with a leacht and a cross-slab. This site was in use as a ceallúnach until the nineteenth century (OSNB Prior, 51), and a holy well is located c. 90m to SW (KE097-059----). Rectangular Buildings: (3) Abutting the enclosure at SE, this structure measures 5.6m NW-SE x 2.6m NE-SW internally. Its internal angles are slightly rounded and the entrance occurs in the NW side-wall. The building may be of relatively recent date. 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. 951. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

Cross-slab in Cill Rialaigh likely dates to the early Christian period, associated with monastic or ecclesiastical activity in the region. The slab may have served as a memorial or liturgical cross, reflecting the spiritual significance of the site within a broader network of religious settlements in west Cork.