Shrine in Killoluaig

Situated in level pasture, KE088-010002- occupies a roughly rectangular area which is delimited by modern field boundaries. Within this is an oval-shaped enclosure, an earthwork complex and a number of house sites. The enclosure contains a leacht and a gable-shrine, a holed stone, and numerous uninscribed grave-markers which relate to the use of the site as a ceallúnach (OSNB Killemlagh, 20). A pillar stone is incorporated into the external face of the enclosing element at S. A second ceallúnach (KE088-011001-) is located a short distance to E. Gable-Shrine (KE088-010006-): The triangular gable-shrine, positioned towards the N end of the leacht KE088-010003-, is formed of two inwardly inclining, rectangular slabs of slate and one remaining end-stone. The ends of the side-stones were rebated on their inner faces to accommodate the end-stones. The shrine measures c.1.1m long and .6m high. Lynch recorded the presence of human bones, including two skulls, in it (1902a, 56). Fragments of these remain, along with quantities of quartz pebbles and scallop shells. 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. 960. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013