Church Island

About this place

Church Island (Irish: Inis Úasal), is a small island in Lough Currane, County Kerry, Ireland. It is the site of an early medieval monastery established by St. Fínán in the seventh century. Another name for Inis Uasal ("Noble Island') is Inis na bFer Náemh ('Island of Holy Men'). Because St Finan was a very important Irish saint of medieval County Kerry, this church was considered to be the earliest church of the kingdom. A Romanesque-style church, constructed in stone in the 12th century, replaced an earlier wooden church on the island. The ruins of the church are surrounded by a graveyard with decorative slabs and three leachta (cairns). The site is a National Monument in state care.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Church Island is located in County Kerry, roughly 64 km (55 min drive) from Killarney and 398 km (5h 50m) from Dublin. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Calluragh burial ground (1.8 km away).