Kilmalkedar Church
Kilmalkedar Church
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
12 within 3 miles
Attractions
37 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
314 reviews
Excellent
198
Very good
96
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
0
dashing_pilot
Seattle, WA80 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This place is an amazing church ruin. Lots of unique examples of 600 construction. Original decorations are still there. The ogham stone and sun dial are unique too. Make the trip if you are in the area.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fáinleog
GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS6,733 contributions
This 12th century Romanesque church lies beyond Dingle town off the R559, and is not far from Gallarus Oratory. It is well worth visiting both sites if you are in the area.
There is parking for a few cars alongside the church grounds. Note the two-storey building known as St Brendan's House at the top left-hand side of the lane. It is believed that this was probably the priest's house.
The church lies in a ruined state, and has several interesting features inside and within the grounds:
Inside the church, which has a very fine Romanesque doorway, you will find a slender pillar with the alphabet inscribed on one side and an ornate cross on another.
Outside in the grounds are an ogham stone, sundial and large cross.
The ogham stone has the following inscription:
ANM MAILE-INBIR MACI BROCANN, which translates: The Name of Mael Inbir Son of Brocan
Take time to look around and admire the fine carvings on the arches, including a man's head, and flowers, and the antae (the "wing-like" features at the top of each gable end).
There is parking for a few cars alongside the church grounds. Note the two-storey building known as St Brendan's House at the top left-hand side of the lane. It is believed that this was probably the priest's house.
The church lies in a ruined state, and has several interesting features inside and within the grounds:
Inside the church, which has a very fine Romanesque doorway, you will find a slender pillar with the alphabet inscribed on one side and an ornate cross on another.
Outside in the grounds are an ogham stone, sundial and large cross.
The ogham stone has the following inscription:
ANM MAILE-INBIR MACI BROCANN, which translates: The Name of Mael Inbir Son of Brocan
Take time to look around and admire the fine carvings on the arches, including a man's head, and flowers, and the antae (the "wing-like" features at the top of each gable end).
Written June 27, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UnaMK
Ireland76 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
Cill Mhaoilcéadair or Kilmalkeder in English is an early-Medieval and Christian site about 8km from Dingle in County Kerry.
Set across approximately 10 acres, the site was reputedly founded by St Maolcethair in the seventh century, but is often associated with St Brendan (who according to legend lived there for a time).
This place also holds important memories for me as I’ve one great aunt and two great uncles resting there.
Access to the Romanesque church in the cemetery is through a stunning doorway with a green keystone in the shape of a head.
It’s estimated that the church was probably built in the mid-twelfth century with existing remains from the early Christian period.
Among these is an amazing sundial made of stone, an alphabet stone (which stands at 1.2 metres high, inscribed with the Latin alphabet), a stone cross and bullaun stones (depressions in a stone which is often water filled).
St Brendan’s Oratory was closed to the public when we visited, but you’re able to see it near the church at the top of the road to the left.
Another interesting feature is the Ogham stone with the inscription of “Anm Maile Inbir Maci Brocann”.
Not only is it off the beaten track but there’s a high chance that you’ll be the only person in the area. It also offers great views of Smerwick harbour in the distance.
Set across approximately 10 acres, the site was reputedly founded by St Maolcethair in the seventh century, but is often associated with St Brendan (who according to legend lived there for a time).
This place also holds important memories for me as I’ve one great aunt and two great uncles resting there.
Access to the Romanesque church in the cemetery is through a stunning doorway with a green keystone in the shape of a head.
It’s estimated that the church was probably built in the mid-twelfth century with existing remains from the early Christian period.
Among these is an amazing sundial made of stone, an alphabet stone (which stands at 1.2 metres high, inscribed with the Latin alphabet), a stone cross and bullaun stones (depressions in a stone which is often water filled).
St Brendan’s Oratory was closed to the public when we visited, but you’re able to see it near the church at the top of the road to the left.
Another interesting feature is the Ogham stone with the inscription of “Anm Maile Inbir Maci Brocann”.
Not only is it off the beaten track but there’s a high chance that you’ll be the only person in the area. It also offers great views of Smerwick harbour in the distance.
Written May 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Peterborough, Canada33 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
The church and grounds are easy to miss. While there are a couple signs in the area best to get some directions from a local. It's not their fault the views of the Dingle Peninsula are such that you're bound to miss a sign or two.
The church itself is fairly well preserved and the grounds abound with interesting historical remnants. The Ogham stone was the reason for our visit. It is said that if two lovers touch their ring fingers through the hole in the stone. They are married in the eyes of God. My wife and I renewed our vows in the ancient Celtic fashion.
I'll attach a link (not my page) with pictures. There are many things to see here, and if you could easily miss one if you didn't know what you were looking for.
http://www.megalithicireland.com/Kilmalkedar.htm
Cheers from Canada!
The church itself is fairly well preserved and the grounds abound with interesting historical remnants. The Ogham stone was the reason for our visit. It is said that if two lovers touch their ring fingers through the hole in the stone. They are married in the eyes of God. My wife and I renewed our vows in the ancient Celtic fashion.
I'll attach a link (not my page) with pictures. There are many things to see here, and if you could easily miss one if you didn't know what you were looking for.
http://www.megalithicireland.com/Kilmalkedar.htm
Cheers from Canada!
Written March 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flutterbyfly
Chuckey, TN11 contributions
This church and surrounding graveyard is well worth the visit. A lot of the stones are engraved in gaelic which seems so appropriate in the setting.
There is so much history in such a small, peaceful place. The radial cross, the sun dial, the ogham stone, the view looking out over the cemetery and beyond...I could go on and on.
The afternoon I visited the sun appeared just as I arrived at the church. The small busload of tourists left shortly after I arrived, so I had the place to myself for a while. The peaceful beauty was very restful. I definitely recommend this as a stopping place.
There is so much history in such a small, peaceful place. The radial cross, the sun dial, the ogham stone, the view looking out over the cemetery and beyond...I could go on and on.
The afternoon I visited the sun appeared just as I arrived at the church. The small busload of tourists left shortly after I arrived, so I had the place to myself for a while. The peaceful beauty was very restful. I definitely recommend this as a stopping place.
Written September 26, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bríd 🐴
Western Ireland, Ireland3,708 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
If you want a good overview of much of Ireland’s history , this is the place !
It’s a very important site . Everything from an Ogham Stone - also a marriage stone , to a sundial to a grave of a man who served in WW1 in the American army .
You will be looking out over Smerwick Harbour, which derives its name from a Viking word.
The main church building has a beautiful but sadly eroded Hiberno-Romanesque doorway , at the entrance . The arch in the middle of the church building shows how lovely the outer one must have been .
There’s a carved “alphabet stone “ that the monks would have used to teach the many students who flocked there to learn .
The narrow window at the rear wall of the building is called “Cró na Snaitheide” or the eye of the needle. Legend has it that those who fit through go to straight to heaven when they die . The younger members of our group all fitted , and we oldies who have fitted in the past thought the trying again might tempt fate !
Go in the late evening if you can. The site doesn’t get too many visitors but it’s even more special when you have it all to yourselves .
It’s a very important site . Everything from an Ogham Stone - also a marriage stone , to a sundial to a grave of a man who served in WW1 in the American army .
You will be looking out over Smerwick Harbour, which derives its name from a Viking word.
The main church building has a beautiful but sadly eroded Hiberno-Romanesque doorway , at the entrance . The arch in the middle of the church building shows how lovely the outer one must have been .
There’s a carved “alphabet stone “ that the monks would have used to teach the many students who flocked there to learn .
The narrow window at the rear wall of the building is called “Cró na Snaitheide” or the eye of the needle. Legend has it that those who fit through go to straight to heaven when they die . The younger members of our group all fitted , and we oldies who have fitted in the past thought the trying again might tempt fate !
Go in the late evening if you can. The site doesn’t get too many visitors but it’s even more special when you have it all to yourselves .
Written July 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margrietina
Riga, Latvia39 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
The remains of the church itself are well preserved and still offers for a keen eye lots of interesting and beautiful details. When all that has been seen, the surroundings of it is no less interesting (even counting out the little lamb enthusiastically grazing with his mommy on the other side of the graveyard wall).
The sundial, the Ogham stone, the huge stone cross - all of them provided that sense of ancient (and also more recent) history that this place still holds and pretty much keeps alive.
They also have put some basic information at the side of the graveyard and in the church to make more sense of the place and its important objects for those who come with no Google or other tourguide.
The sundial, the Ogham stone, the huge stone cross - all of them provided that sense of ancient (and also more recent) history that this place still holds and pretty much keeps alive.
They also have put some basic information at the side of the graveyard and in the church to make more sense of the place and its important objects for those who come with no Google or other tourguide.
Written January 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendan1
California48 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
We drove around the Dingle Peninsula and really enjoyed stopping at a few ancient sites, including the Gallarus Oratory. We enjoyed them all and were impressed with each of them. That said, I think we enjoyed Kilmalkedar Church most of all of our stops on this drive. It is a beautiful spot, not far off the road. The church and the graveyard seem very ancient. It was impressive seeing the Ogham Stones and the gravestones mostly in Irish.
We had great fun passing through the window in the back so that we now have automatic entry into heaven. We would have enjoyed the drive and this stop anyway, but an opportunity like that does not come along everyday.
We had great fun passing through the window in the back so that we now have automatic entry into heaven. We would have enjoyed the drive and this stop anyway, but an opportunity like that does not come along everyday.
Written August 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Watts
10 contributions
Oct 2020
This is nice old ruin. The only issue for us is the lack of parking. We found this really frustrating.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grassland88
Wilton, CT83 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Fantastic historic church complex. In addition to the Romanesque church, there is a medieval sundial, an early christian stone cross and an ogham stone. Superbly atmospheric and still used by the community. For me, this is a must visit site on the "Wild Atlantic Way" if you have an interest in cultural heritage or archaeology
Written September 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have limited time on the Dingle Peninsular before heading off to Limerick. Did you do the Conor Pass and if so would you recommend us doing this and giving the Kilmalkedar Church a miss or vice versa, that is do the Conor pass in preference?
Written June 8, 2019
I'd do Kilmalkedar Church and drive Connor Pass on the way to your next stop. The Dingle Loop is beautiful...more so than the Ring of Kerry (in my opinion). However, the drive between Killarney and Kenmare was more beautiful to me than Connor Pass. The church is a quick stop to get out and look around. Connor Pass is a drive, so unless you stop by the picnic table and small waterfall on the drive, it's just a drive.
Written June 17, 2019
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing