What is recorded here

Ratass Church stands in ruins beside the southern plain, possibly dating to the sixth century when Bishop Lugach first walked there. It nearly became the episcopal see of Kerry at the synod of Rathbreasail, but Ardfert took that role instead after surviving earlier destruction. The forgotten church kept its quiet dignity while the louder town climbed again, preserving a brief moment when power might have flowed through this smaller place.

Ratass (Ráth Teas/Ráth Mhaighe Deiscirt/Fort of the Southern Plain) in the parish of Ratass, diocese of Ardfert, barony of Trughanacmy was described by Gwynn & Hadcock (1970, 43, 95) as;'probably contemporary with Rattoo of Bishop Lugach (sixth century?)'. At the synod of Rathbreasail the church of Rath Maighe Deiscirt (near Ardfert) was chosen as the episcopal see of Kerry. Ardfert, which soon afterwards became and remained the seat of the bps., had been destroyed not long before 1111 by warring factions. This was probably the reason why it was passed over at Rathbreasail; but the decision was not effective. In 1117 Anmchidh O h-Anmchada d. as bp. of Ardfert (AFM)'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 27 April 2022

Ratass Church, located in the parish of Ratass, diocese of Ardfert, was likely built in the early medieval period, probably contemporary with Rattoo Church in the 12th or 13th century. Its exact builder is unknown, but it reflects the ecclesiastical traditions of the region and is now in ruins.

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