What is recorded here

Stouke Grave Yard in County Cork holds the ruins of the first parish church of Schull, where people danced rounds on St. John's night. The rectangular stone-walled site remains active, marked by holed stones and unnamed graves that suggest continuous human presence rather than abandoned decay. What began as a sacred Christian landmark may have absorbed older customs, blending worship, mourning and celebration beneath one slope.

On E side of road on level ground above E-facing slope. Site marked "Killeen Stouke Grave Yard" on OS 6-inch map (1842). Rectangular area enclosed by stone wall. Graveyard still in use. Uninscribed grave markers on E side, some of which are holed stones. O'Donoghue (1986, 14) says graveyard contains ruins of first parish church (CO140-050003-) of Schull and rounds were performed here on St. John's night. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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