What is recorded here

Five small holed slabs stand beside the ruined medieval church in Farranreagh, their hour-glass holes cutting through dark slate like forgotten questions. They differ from tall ancient pillar stones elsewhere in Kerry, suggesting local hands shaped them for purposes still unrecorded. The graveyard holds them without explanation, waiting for someone to remember what the holes were meant to drain, mark or transform.

One five holed or perforated stones were recorded by Dunne (2012, 9) in Kilmore Graveyard [KE079-072----] in close proximity to the ruined medieval church [KE079-072001-]. Described by Dunne (2012, 9) as follows; 'Holed or perforated pillar stones, where found, are generally associated with early ecclesiastical sites. They are not very common and not well understood. Some notable examples of perforated early cross inscribed pillars slabs and ogham stones at found at Reask, Kilfountain and Kilmalkedar on the Dingle Peninsula. However, the holed stones at Kilmore are small slate slabs with hour-glass perforations. As low slabs they are stylistically and morphologically at variance with the early medieval perforated pillar type and more closely associated with several other examples recently discovered by the writer at numerous graveyards in Kerry (Dunne 2010, 2011)'. See attached plan showing location of perforated stone No. 1 standing beside notched headstone stone No. 4 which also has an inscribed cross, taken from Dunne 2012. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 March 2022

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.