County: Clare Site name: ST SENAN'S ALTAR, Tullaher
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Claire Cotter
Site type: Altar
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 492773m, N 661843m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.697094, -9.586384
The site known at St. Senan's Altar stands at the side of a small road about 3 miles north-east of Kilkee. According to tradition the bell of St Senan fell to earth at this spot and the site is also known locally as a Penal Altar. The area is strongly associated with St Senan. Kiltenane Burial Ground which lies a short distance from the altar may have been the site of an early foundation.
The present remains were excavated over a four day period, in advance of conservation. Prior to excavation a grass covered rectilinear mound was visible. Excavation revealed that the mound was constructed of clay, surmounted by rubble, and was revetted with dry stone facing on all sides. Maximum dimensions: 4.2m x 4.5m and 1.6m in height. A section through the middle of the site indicated that it had been built in a single phase. No features were evident and no finds were recovered. A clay bank, which forms the lower section of the field boundary at the north side of the altar, appears to predate it.
1 Northbrook Villas, Northbrook Road, Dublin 6
