Skip to content

Heritage Ireland

Saint Brendan’s Oratory

An Oratory named after Saint Brendan the Navigator

Unguided sites

Cill Maoilchéadair
Kerry

Saint Brendan’s Oratory

An Oratory named after Saint Brendan the Navigator

Unguided sites

Cill Maoilchéadair
Kerry

Notice

Saint Brendan’s Oratory is a National Monument in state guardianship

*Please be aware, caution is to be exercised when crossing the road at the bend*

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

Saint Brendan’s Oratory

Saint Brendan’s Oratory is an example of an early Christian ‘boat type oratory’, or church, building built around the 10th century using a dry stone corbelling technique which is unique to the Dingle Peninsula; the most famous and intact version of which is Gallarus Oratory.

Saint Brendan’s Oratory, which is named after the famous 5th century Kerry saint, Saint Brendan the Navigator, is slightly narrower than its counterpart at Gallarus measuring 5.5 metres long by just 3 metres wide. Originally it would have had a complete drystone corbelled roof which has since collapsed and was lit by a narrow rectangular window still visible in the eastern end above where the altar would originally have stood.

Visit Historic Environment Viewer for more information on Saint Brendan’s Oratory

Protect our Past - Click here to read about the importance of protecting our country’s unique heritage sites

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

Nearby sites to visit

Heritage Card

Unlimited access to Ireland’s past

Buy one today

Join our mailing list

Are you happy to receive marketing material via email from Heritage Ireland

Subscribe