Site of Cell

In mixed pasture, on top of a knoll immediately E of Lough Mackeenlaun and c. 350m NE of Kilmakilloge church (KE108-002002-). Indicated on the 1846 OS 6-inch map as a roughly oval area (diam. c. 6m) on the edge of marshy ground surrounding the lake and named 'Site of Cell'. It consists of a rectangular structure (int. dims. 4.6m E-W; 3.2m N-S), covered by overgrowth, defined by a low grass-covered bank (Wth c. 0.9m; H 0.6m) of earth and stone. Stones are visible intermittently along the inner wall-face and grass-covered stones are scattered in the interior. 'Rounds' are made here on 7/8th July and traces of a pilgrimage path encircling the knoll are visible. The structure was recorded by Cusack (1871, 420) as 'the ruin of a small building, measuring 121/2 by 9 feet [3.81m x 2.74m], evidently a hermit's cell, which doubtless had some connection with the old church of Kilmakillage not far off'. Two cross-inscribed stones (KE108-004002-, KE108-004003-) are 6m to the E and 4m to the W of this hermitage, respectively and the adjacent lake is regarded locally as a holy well (KE108-004001-). See attached colour photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011