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Penitential station in An Caiseal (tc Málainn Bhig)

Penitential station

What is recorded here

Located in poor rocky land on the floor of Glencolumbkille valley. Indicated on the 1907 OS 6-inch map as 'Penitential Station', this subcircular cairn (diam. 3.8m; H 0.65m high) served as a prayer station on St. Columbkille's Turas. It is composed of small to medium-sized field stones, and surrounds the base of a cross-inscribed pillar (DG080-020002-). It is partly grassed-over. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 8 March 2019
This penitential station is associated with St. Columbkille (Columba), a key figure in the spread of Christianity in western Ireland. Such stations were used by pilgrims during penitential journeys, often involving prayer and acts of penance, reflecting the strong monastic and pilgrimage traditions linked to the saint in the Glencolumbkille area.

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

What survives
Recorded monument

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