Notice
Killelton Church is a National Monument in state guardianship
*Please be aware this monument is located in a farming field*
WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur
Killelton Church
On the lower slopes of Gearhane mountain, about 2.5 kilometres north-east of Camp, on the Dingle Peninsula overlooking Tralee Bay, are the ruins an ancient monastery known today in English as Killelton Church or Cill Elton in Irish. The monastery was founded by Saint Elton, a younger brother of Saint Fursa. Both men were leading figures in the Irish mission to convert the Anglo Saxons in England to Christianity in the early 7th century.
Today the site consists of a rectangular enclosure, the main feature of which is a small stone oratory which would originally have had a wooden roof. Excavations in 1983 indicate that this church was built on the site of an earlier wooden building, possibly the original church built by Saint Elton. The foundations of two other rectangular buildings also survive within the enclosure.
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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014
Gallery
Nearby sites to visit
Ionad an Bhlascaoid – The Blasket Centre
The story of a remarkable island community
Approx. 42.1 km from Killelton Church
Scattery Island Monastic Site and Visitor Centre
Discover the History, Myth and Legend of Scattery Island
Approx. 49.3 km from Killelton Church
Daniel O’Connell House – Derrynane House
The childhood home of Daniel O’Connell
Approx. 54.2 km from Killelton Church
