Temple-Managhan, oratory in County Kerry, Ireland
Temple-Managhan is an ancient oratory in County Kerry built from rough stones in a boat-shaped design. The structure stands roughly 3 meters (10 feet) high on a raised platform and features a simple doorway topped with a decorative finial on its western gable.
The oratory was likely built between the 7th and 9th centuries as part of an early Christian settlement. A nearby ogham stone with inscriptions dating to the 5th-7th century reveals connections to early Gaelic tribal history and remembrance practices.
The site is connected to Saint Manchan, an early religious leader whose name appears in ogham inscriptions on a standing stone. The place shows how small communities created sacred spaces for prayer and remembrance of their spiritual figures.
The site is located roughly 4.5 kilometers west-northwest of Dingle and sits on an elevated position with broad views across the surrounding landscape. Access involves a short walk from a farm parking area through fields and gates to reach the oratory.
Nearby is an underground chamber called Poll na Sagart where Catholic priests reportedly hid during the Penal era when religious practice was restricted. This hidden space reveals the concealed religious history during periods of suppression.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
