RING OF KERRY - SPIRITUAL BUILDINGS
Associated with the Bronze Age, a stone circle consists of five or more standing stones, which enclose a flat piece of ground. There is a small stone circle found in Lissivigeen near Killarney town. These stones are known locally as the seven sisters, while the outlying stones are known as `pipers` or `musicians.` The stones were probably erected for ritual or ceremonial use.
Killarney
Building of the church commenced in 1842 on the church but was interrupted in 1848 as a result of the famine and didn`t resume again until five years later. The cathedral was consecrated in 1855 but was not finally completed until 1912 when the tower and spire were added. St. Mary`s is a cruciform church with a nave and aisles, two large transepts and a central tower crowned with a spire, with simple rose windows. The church is a fine example of late nineteenth century Gothic architecture.
Founded in the 15th Century this Franciscan friary is preserved to a high standard, it was built of local limestone. The tower, added after the church was built is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church.
Franciscan Friary
Built in 1860 it is situated in Fair hill in Killarney town. It holds similar style to Muckross Abbey with a unique piece of stained glass at the entrance.
Built as an 18th century reconstruction of an earlier church. Located on the Kenmare to Killarney road.
Built in memory of the late Daniel O`Connell `The Liberator`. The church can be found in the town of Caherciveen. The materials used were black limestone found locally and Newry granite.
Located less than a mile from Killarney town, this well is reputed to have special healing powers.
The church of the Transfiguration built in 1810, displays a salmon as a weather clock, the cemetery is a burial ground for a former Irish president- Cearbhaill O`Dalaigh.
Ballinskelligs
Skellig Michael - is a large jagged rock, which hoists itself dramatically out of the Atlantic 8 miles off the coast of Kerry. There is a flight of steps leading to the remains of the monastic settlement, which occupy a series of terraces, enclosed in drystone walls on a narrow shelf of rock nearly 600 feet above the sea, the enclosure also contains the ruins of St. Michaels church.
Located at Skellig Michael, these corbel-roofed cells are round in the outside and square in the inside. One of the clochans has a cross of white quartz stones built onto the wall above the door.
Usually inscribed with a cross, the erection of these stones was an Irish tradition. These stones often marked the grave of the founder of the monastery and in some cases they were old pagan standing stones converted to Christian usage.