Penitential Station — High Island

Associated with the early ecclesiastical remains (GA021-026002-) on the island. Five penitential stations have been identified, all of which are named on the OS 6-inch maps: (a) close to S cliffs above the landing place at E end of the island, it consists of a well-set, stout cross slab; (b) about mid-point along the island close to one of the field walls (GA021-031----, c). Though described by Herity (1977, 61) as a cross slab, no visible surface traces survive; (c) to SE of the oratory (GA021-026014-) on E shore of larger lake, it consists of a rectangular pile of stones (L 2.1m, Wth 1.1m, H 0.25m) with a cross slab at E end (Macalister 1896a, 207; Herity 1977, 60); (d) on a prominent rock outcrop overlooking the oratory to S, it consists of a subrectangular cairn (L 3m, Wth 2.5m); (e) close to the inlet at extreme S end of island, it consists of a rectangular pile of stones (L 1.85m, Wth 1.45m) including some of quartz. There is a recumbent holed stone at N end. The co-ordinates refer to (b) above. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010