Reask Monastic Site
An Riasc


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This early medieval monastic site was excavated during the 1970s. The monastery, surrounded by an enclosure wall, contains the remains of a church, some round houses, a workshop (where evidence for iron working, and possibly bronze and glass working were found), graveyards of 2 periods (one early medieval, the other a cillín of more recent date), a possible burial shrine and several cross-inscribed stones as well as a rectangular house which is probably of medieval date.  There is also a corn-drying kiln just outside the enclosure wall. The site was occupied probably as early as the 6th century, but it is not certain when it was finally abandoned. 

Only one of the cross-inscribed stones, the large pillar stone on you left as you enter the site, is in its original position, and has been dated to the 2nd half of the 6th century.  As well as the elaborate cross design, there is also a short inscription carved along the left side of the stone as you face it, ‘DNE’.  This is a contraction of the Latin word Domine, meaning ‘Lord’.  A similar inscription can be seen on a low stone behind to the right of this one, and on the Alphabet Stone at Cill Mhaoilchéadair - Kilmalkedar, a few of miles away.

 Artefacts found in the excavation and cross-inscribed stones from the site, are on display in Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne, Ballyferriter. Worksheets for children and an information leaflet about the site are available in the museum, to help you and your family explore the site.

 

An Riasc is signposted at a side road on the Dingle side of Bric’s pub/brewery - Beoir Chorca Dhuibhne. This road is not suitable for large coaches. There is a small area in which one can park a car right beside the site, but the road is narrow, and care must be taken when driving on it.The monastic complex is a national monument in the care of the Office of Public Works, and may be viewed by the public free of charge.

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