1990:013 - ST SENAN'S ALTAR, Tullaher, Clare

NMI Burial Excavation Records

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.

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