Kilnaruane Pillar Stone

A decorated Pillar Stone containing designs and stories

Notice

Kilnaruane Pillar Stone is a National Monument in state guardianship

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

Kilnaruane Pillar Stone

South-west of Bantry stands Kilnaruane Pillar Stone which forms part of an early ecclesiastical enclosure, along with a circular earthen work bank, graveyard, four deeply grooved boulders, and two balllaun stones. The enclosure was founded by St Brendan in the 6^thcentury.

The Pillar stone is over 2m high and highly decorated. The south-west face is divided into four panels: the first has two pieces of ribbon interlace, the second panel has a praying figure, the third contains a Greek cross, with the fourth panel showing a depiction of St. Paul and St. Anthony seated at a pedestal table, holding bread.

The north-east face is divided into three panels: the top has remains of spiral interlace, the second panel has two pairs of animals, while the third contains a boat with four oarsmen and a fifth figure steering in stern, rowing through a sea of crosses.

It is most probable this ecclesiastical site was sacked and plundered during the Viking age of 795 to 1014 and abandoned shortly thereafter.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014