Reask Monastic Site

Nothing is known about the history of the ancient church site at Reask situated on the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. This monument comprises the remains of a stone church, cross-inscribed slabs, and a collection of stone hut or clocháns, all within the confines of a drystone enclosure. An internal stone wall intersects the site, and appears to have divided the site between the oratory and cemetery area and the living spaces. Excavations in the 1970s revealed evidence for a possible wooden church that was replaced by a stone church, of which only the foundations survive today. There are several cross-inscribed slabs at the site. The most impressive is the stone pillar decorated with a Maltese cross, spirals, circles, and the motif of a peacock. Also at the site are the site are the foundations of a series of stone huts or clocháns, several of which are conjoined. When fully constructed, the stone huts would have reflected the traditional building style of ‘beehive’ huts common at other sites on the Dingle Peninsula. Please note that many of these monuments may be on private land and may not be publicly accessible. When setting out to visit monuments please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Access to monuments without Visitor Services may be across uneven ground which may not be suitable for everyone and, in particular, wheelchair users.