churches historical kerry

The oldest surviving artefacts of the Celtic church are the cross-pillars and slabs found at a number of monastic sites throughout the country. They represent the first tentative steps in the development of Irish ecclesiastical art. Unlike the alter ringed crosses which evolved from them, the earliest Christian crosses were simply inscribed on suitable natural stones with no attempt at shaping. Sometimes in situ pagan standing stones were adopted for the purpose.

The Reask cross-pill...

This is an old monastic foundation, ascribed to the early Kerry Saint Lugach. The church in the graveyard was built probably by the Augustinians in the 15th century, though stones from an earlier church are built into its walls. The round tower is very well preserved although restoration has been done to other parts of the church. There is a  round-headed doorway with an architrave or frame in raised relief around it. It holds the only example in an Irish Church of a Sheela-na-gig...

Across the road from the friary is Killegy Churchyard. A large cross marks the grave of Henry Arthur Herbert, builder of Muckross House, who died in 1866. The 18th century reconstructed church was built as a mortuary chapel for Maurice Hussey of Cahernae, late Colonel in the army of James II, who died in 1714. The original church on the site was probably the 12th-13th century parish church....

The first monastery on this scenically situated island in Lough Leane is said to have been founded by St. Finian the Leper in the 7th century. It was twice plundered by the Vikings. Its most renowned monk, Maelsuthain O'Carroll, 'chief doctor of the Western world of his time' and a friend of the High King Brian Boru, died in 1009. It flourished in the 12th century until it was plundered in 1180 by Maiilduin, son of Donal O'Donoghue. However, it survived this shock and remained such a centre...

When you come to see the Gallarus Oratory, you will see the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. Built in the 7th or 8th century, Gallarus Oratory is found in natural farmland overlooking Smerwick Harbour on the Dingle Peninsula. It has been exposed to the winds and Atlantic weather for over 1200 years and this stone building to this day remains waterproof.
Its shape, often likened to an upturned boat is unusual, though not unique in early Irish churches. The oratory embodie...