Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory is one of Ireland’s most iconic and well-preserved ancient churches, located on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. This tiny, boat-shaped structure is a testament to early Christian architecture and offers a unique glimpse into Ireland’s rich history. The oratory’s stunning location overlooking Smerwick Harbour and the Wild Atlantic Ocean makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Dingle Peninsula.

History

Gallarus Oratory is believed to have been built in the 10th or 11th century, although some estimates suggest it could be as old as the 8th century. It is one of only three drystone churches in Ireland that still have an intact corbelled roof, making it a remarkable example of ancient Irish architecture. The church was constructed using local stone in a technique developed by Neolithic tomb makers, where each layer of stone overlaps to form a continuous vaulted roof.

How to Get There

Gallarus Oratory is located about 3 km south of Ballydavid on the Dingle Peninsula. The site is easily accessible by car, and there are two ways to visit:

1. Visitor Centre Route: Follow the signs to the visitor centre, which has a large car park, toilets, a souvenir shop, and an audio-visual display. From here, a path leads up to the oratory. This route requires a small admission fee.

2. Public Right of Way: Continue up the road from the visitor centre and look for a small parking lot and a path leading to the oratory. This route is free and open 24/7.

Attractions

– Gallarus Oratory: The main attraction is the well-preserved drystone church with its distinctive corbelled roof.
– Leacht or Altar Feature: Just outside the oratory, you can see an early cross slab with the Latin inscription COLUM MAC DINET, which translates to ‘The Stone of Colum, Son of Dinet…’.
– Slea Head Drive: Explore the scenic Slea Head Drive, which begins and ends in Dingle town and offers breathtaking coastal views.
– Dun Chaoin Pier: Visit Dun Chaoin Pier for stunning views over the rocky coastline.
– Coumeenoole Beach: Enjoy the beautiful Coumeenoole Beach, known for its stunning scenery.

Ticket Information

– Visitor Centre Route: Admission to the visitor centre costs a small fee, which includes access to the oratory, audio-visual display, souvenir shop, and toilets.
– Public Right of Way: Visiting via the public right of way is free and open 24/7.

Tips for Visiting

1. Parking: The public parking lot is small and not well-marked, so use the coordinates 52.171417, -10.350403 in Google Maps to find it.
2. Accessibility: The oratory is relatively small, but the path leading up to it is wide and flat, making it accessible for most visitors.
3. Local Legend: There is a local legend that if you climb through the small window, your soul will be cleansed and you’ll be guaranteed access directly to heaven. However, this is not recommended due to the window’s small size.
4. Scenic Views: Take time to appreciate the stunning views of Smerwick Harbour and the Wild Atlantic Ocean from the oratory’s location.
5. Community Feel: The oratory is set amidst the Kerry countryside, giving visitors a sense of community and connection to the past.

Gallarus Oratory is a unique and enriching experience that combines history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you choose to visit via the visitor centre or the public right of way, this ancient church is sure to leave a lasting impression on your travels.