2024:294 - Killobarnaun Oratory, Kerry

Targeted excavation was undertaken as a component of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) at Killobarnaun Oratory (KE079-026001) situated in Killavarnogue Cemetery near Caherciveen, Co. Kerry. Kilavarnogue was originally an early medieval ecclesiastical  site - Cill an Bhearnáin or Killobarnaun Oratory (O’Sullivan & Sheehan 1996, 271). The denuded poorly preserved remains of the oratory still survive on an elevated area within the large cemetery that encompasses it. Archaeological works within the oratory  also includes the targeted vegetation clearances.

Targeted test excavation was undertaken through the entrance doorway and extending in an L-shaped direction to the south-west internal corner of the oratory. The cutting revealed a maximum height of 1.5m for the trabeated entrance doorway through the west gable. The floor of the entranceway comprised of two large flagstones that extended under the masonry on both sides. The lower basal masonry courses on both sides of the doorway, up to an average of c.400mm, comprises of well-selected, well-matched elongated thin slabs. Above this height the masonry courses are blockier and less tight.

Excavation of the narrow cutting along the inside of the east gable revealed no structural features. Initial removal of the top fill revealed a collection of ex-situ disarticulated long bones that had been collected and deliberately placed in the corner, presumably in the not-too-distant past. The bones were lightly cleaned, recorded and covered with clean, excavated spoil and covered with a geo-textile material (Terram) and left where they were discovered.

Reference:

O’Sullivan, A. & Sheehan J. (1996). The Iveragh Peninsula – An Archaeological Survey of South Kerry.  Cork University Press.

195 Shanakill, Tralee, Co. Kerry