Rínn an Chaisleáin

Rínn an Chaisleáin is a small headland on the North Eastern shore of the Great Blasket Island. It is named afterthe reputed site of a stronghold of the local Gaelic-Irish chieftain, rebel and poet, Piaras Feiritéar. The Feirtéar Clan leased the island from the Norman Fitzgeralds during the 13^th century and maintained that lease until the aftermath of the second Desmond Rebellion in the late 16^th century. Piaras Feartéar is said to have sought refuge at Rínn an Chaisleáin in the aftermath of the failed 1641 Rebellion against English rule in Ireland, before he was subsequently arrested, sentenced to death and executed by the English in Killarney.  Unfortunately, no evidence of the castle or any fortifications is evident on any medieval maps and trace of the purported stronghold remains today.

In 1756 the ‘ruins of a very ancient church’ were reported at Rínn an Chaisleáin, though there is no visible trace of this now. The fact that the site was used well into the 20^th century as a cillín, or burial ground, for unbaptised infants, suicide victims, drowned sailors and others who died without receiving the last rites of the Catholic Church, lends credence to the likelihood that such a church existed. During the digging of one of these graves, blocks of dressed masonry were discovered which may have come from either Féirtéar’s castle or the ancient church. Today several grave markers consisting of low upright stones are still visible to visitors.

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