Font in Baile An Sceilg

Ballinskelligs Abbey (KE097-036----) was the priory of the Arroasian Canons of the Order of St Augustine, located on the W shore of Ballinskelligs Bay. It was founded in 1210, or shortly afterwards, originating from Rattoo in north Kerry. It is recorded that the early monastery of Skellig Michael (KE104A-001----) was transferred, due to the hazardous conditions on the rock, to this location prior to the mid-eleventh century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 192; Smith 1756, 103). The priory retained possession of the Great Skellig and of the alias 'de Rupe Michaelis'. Lynch noted a limestone font (KE097-036011-) on its E side of the Church (KE097-036----) (1902, 350). The shaft was octagonal in section and was secured in a square base which featured a beaded moulding on all sides. The font, which is recorded in a Lawrence collection photograph (3068 WL), was reported in 1938 as having been 'knocked half sideways' (OPW). All that remains today is a rough, rectangular block, .7m x .2m, which features a perforation. 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. 1085. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013