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BALLINSKELLIGS: (Irish - Baile an Sceilig).
This is an Irish speaking area with miles of golden beaches. To the South West is Bolus Head overlooking Saint Finan's Bay and the Skelligs. An Irish College is situated in this area where children come in the summer to learn the Irish language. McCarthy Castle & Abbey - West of the village are these ruins. This castle was built on the Isthmus to defend the place from pirates. Kilrellig - These early Christian monastic settlement ruins are located beside the road to Bolus Head. Remaining are an Oratory, two inscribed stones and traces of Beehive huts. Kildreelig Alignment - This is an alignment of four standing stones which is the reputed burial place of the Milesian leader Erannan, allegedly matching and in line with the alignment at Eightercua across the bay, but this is not correct. Wedge Grave - This site was excavated years ago and is situated at Coom, Ballinskelligs. Killemlagh Church - Built on the site of Saint Finan's original settlement, the old church was a 12th/13th century Irish Romanesque structure. South of the church is the "Pagan's Grave", an enclosure of standing stones 18 feet x 11 feet. Killemagh church has more recently been replaced by the little church of Glen. |