Church in Church Island (iveragh By., Castlequin Ed)

National Monument No. 59. Evidence for the earliest period of occupation on the island comprised a circular wooden hut and a rectangular wooden building. The latter feature was associated with a group of burials and was interpreted as an oratory. Though not demonstrably related stratigraphically, the hut and oratory were probably contemporary. The wooden oratory (KE079-032014-), located midway between the hut and the W shore of the island, was evidenced by five post-holes, indicating a small rectangular structure measuring approximately 3m x 2m and orientated ENE-WSW on its longer axis. Wallace, however, has suggested that if the post-holes are interpreted as being for roof-supports, rather than for corner-posts, the building may have had dimensions of c. 5m x c. 3.5m (1982, 21-3). To N and NW of the wooden oratory was a cemetery of at least thirty-three burials. Most of the graves were of simple dug type, while two were slab-lined. All were of similar orientation to the wooden Oratory, and were considered to be contemporary with it. 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. 927. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013