Folklore · County Kerry
Folklore and traditions of County Kerry
46 sites with recorded traditions.
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46 sites in County Kerry with traditions recorded by the Archaeological Survey. County Kerry guide.
Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.
- Caherconree Promontory Fort Promontory fort · Ballyarkane Oughter,Beheenagh (Corkaguiny By.), Co. Kerry
Caherconree derives its name from its legendary builder, Cú Raoi Mac Daire.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lislaughtin Abbey Abbey or friary · Lislaughtin, Co. Kerry
This Franciscan friary is believed to be sited on an earlier church (KE003-016003-) dedicated to St Lachtin of Muskeriy, Co. Cork, who died in 622 AD.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Church Island - Lough Currane Monastic site · Church Island (Iveragh By., Loughcurrane Ed), Co. Kerry
Measuring a maximum of 140m N-S x 190 E W, it is associated with St Finan Cam who is reputed to have founded a monastery on it in the Sixth century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 31).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Innisfallen Church, Oratories & Abbey Monastic site · Innisfallen, Co. Kerry
Late 12th/early 13th-century abbey of Canons Regular of St Augustine dedicated to St Mary on or near the site of an early medieval monastery reputedly founded in the 6th century AD by St Finan (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970; Calendar of Cashel after O'Donovan 1841).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilmalkedar Monastic site · Cill Maoilchéadair, Co. Kerry
The site is traditionally associated with St. Brendan but was reputedly founded by Maolcethair whose death is recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal under the year 636 - Maolcethair, son of Ronan, son of the King of Uladh, of Cill Melchedair, near the shore…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ardfert Round Tower Round tower · Ardfert, Co. Kerry
I say “crushed” because one would expect that such a building would naturally fall to one side or other, but in this case the stones appeared to tumble straight down forming a large mass on the spot where the tower had stood.' In Twixt Skellig and Scattery…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Annagh Church Ancient church · Annagh (Trughanacmy By., Kiltallagh Ed), Co. Kerry
He obtained the said rectories under the said mandate, which stated, amongst other things, that he was of knightly birth, that the rectory of Anach was void by the death of Maurice Fyt, that formerly the vicarage of Cluhirbryn [Clogherbrien KE029-059----] was…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Brosna Old Church Ancient church · Brosna West, Co. Kerry
Reservation to him, who has received papal dispensation as the son of an unmarried man and an unmarried woman to be promoted to all orders and hold a benefice even with cure’ (Cal. papal letters, 109).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Coad Church Ancient church · Behaghane, Co. Kerry
Kilcrohane Church/Cill Chrócháin: This parish church, also known as Coad Church and traditionally dedicated to St Cróchán, the patron of the parish, is located close to the N boundary of a rectangular graveyard (KE106-032002-) on the lower SE slopes of Coad…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Derryco Church Ancient church · Derryco, Co. Kerry
According to local tradition it was once the site of an early monastic settlement (KE009-022002-), although nothing else is known of this early site.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Derrynane Abbey Ancient church · Abbey Island, Co. Kerry
The church is traditionally associated with St Finan (OSNB Kilcrohane, 38), though Smith notes an association with St Finbarr of Cork (1756, 94).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Inch Church Ancient church · Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
There are a number of tombs in the graveyard, and one abutting the E gable is reputed to be the burial place of Daniel O'Connell's parents.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
- Keel Burial Ground and Church Ancient church · Keel (Trughanacmy By.), Co. Kerry
A pattern was formerly held at this church on the eleventh of February, but no saint is remembered at present’ (OSL; O’Donovan 1983, 103-4).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilbonane Church Ancient church · Kilbonane, Co. Kerry
According to local tradition, the church was thatched and burnt by the Cromwellian troops (ITA).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilflynn Church Ancient church · Ballyconnell, Co. Kerry
St. Flann is said to have bestowed on the well the power to cure blindness.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Killemlagh Church Ancient church · Ráth Ciaráin, Co. Kerry
It overlooks St Finan's Bay and the Skelligs to W. It is traditionally associated with St Finan, as is a holy well located a short distance to W (KE096-007-----).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Killiney Church Ancient church · Killiney, Co. Kerry
Stone foundations, formerly outside the S wall of the graveyard, were locally reputed to be the remains of an 'ancient monastery' (CKFC 1946), but these were destroyed when the graveyard was recently extended (local information).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilmore Church Ancient church · Kilmore (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
This site is reputed to have originally contained the 'Seven Churches of Kilmore', and though all the buildings have been levelled, there is still quite an amount of disturbances in the field marking the site.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilsarkan Church Ancient church · Kilsarkan East, Co. Kerry
These are probably deposited as offerings having been used for rubbings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilshannig Church Ancient church · Kilshannig, Co. Kerry
It is traditionally associated with St. Senach, as is the early church site on nearby Illauntannig (KE019-002001-), and the present irregularly-shaped graveyard may enclose the site of an Early Christian foundation.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kiltomy Church Ancient church · Kiltomy, Co. Kerry
Within the graveyard are two stones with a skull and cross bones design containing an inscription VELA BRIVI and NE ME NAMORI; these are reputedly part of an altar erected for a Fitzmaurice lady who is buried there' (Kerry Field Club 1945, Vol I, 698).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Knockanure Church Ancient church · Lissaniska (Iraghticonnor By.), Co. Kerry
In 1435 a papal letter recorded the following details about the joining of the churches of Murher (KE006-015----) and Knockanure; 'Mandate to collate and assign to Dermit Oscanlayn [O'Scanlon], canon of Ardfert (who was lately dispensed by papal authority, as…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Murhur Church Ancient church · Murher, Co. Kerry
In 1435 a papal letter recorded the following details about the joining of the churches of Murher and Knockanure (KE011-022----); 'Mandate to collate and assign to Dermit Oscanlayn [O'Scanlon], canon of Ardfert who was lately dispensed by papal authority, as…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ratass Church Ancient church · Ratass, Co. Kerry
Ratass Church was described by Ó Carragáin (2010, 313) as follows; 'This mortared stone church (int. dims. 9.85m x 5.75m) with antae is on the site of an establishment [KE029-157----] reputedly founded by Bishop Lughach.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Srugreana Church Ancient church · Glebe (Iveragh By.), Co. Kerry
Overlooking an extensive tract of bog to W, the site is associated with St Lonan, in whose honour a pattern was formerly held here on the 3rd of March (OSL).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Cnoc na Fola ogham stones Ogham stone · Log Na Gcapall, Co. Kerry
The level field in which it occurs is named Páirc na Fola and was traditionally the scene of a bloody battle in ancient times.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Minard Castle Castle · Cill Mhuire (Tc An Mhín Aird), Co. Kerry
The collapse of the vault is reputedly due to the explosion in 1650 (McKenna 1979, 13).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ballyduff Ringfort Ringfort · Glannagalt, Co. Kerry
There was reputedly a fort at this point on the W bank of the Glannagalt river.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Cahergall Ringfort · Kimego West, Co. Kerry
Chatterton recorded a local tradition that the roof of the hut was of corbelled stone, and noted that a lamb shelter had been constructed in its interior (1839, 280).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Dirtane, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: It is still visited, especially on the 8th of September when there are public devotions.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Johns Well - Tobar Eoin Holy well · Cill Mhuire (Tc An Mhín Aird), Co. Kerry
Rounds are made here on the 29th of August and a pattern was formerly held on the same day (Ó Danachair 1960, 76).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Macadaw's Well Holy well · Glenderry, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: According to local tradition, rounds at this well may be made by members of the Corridan family only, to whom the right of burial in the nearby church ruin (KE013-023001-) is also reserved.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Well Holy well · Killarney, Co. Kerry
A commemorative plaque at the well reads: 'St. Mary's Well, a place of pilgrimage since 1302, reputed for baptisms and cures over long years'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Buonia's Well Holy well · Cill Buaine, Co. Kerry
It affords excellent views to St Finan’s Bay and the Skelligs at W. The site is associated with St Buonia (Beoanigh), who is locally reputed to have been a sister of St Patrick.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Moling's Well Holy well · Brosna West, Co. Kerry
The water from the well is said to cure eye complaints.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobairin Holy Well Holy well · Coomanaspig, Co. Kerry
Rounds were formerly made here on the 29th September as part of the turas or pilgrimage which commenced at the pattern held at St Michael's Well, Dungeagan (KE097-029----), and which also involved visits to St Buonia's Well (KE088-027004-) and St Finan's Well…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobarín Mhuire Holy well · Ardea, Co. Kerry
O'Connell recorded this spring well as a holy well known as 'Tobarín Mhuire' and noted that its water cured ills, particularly toothache (KAS).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreeda Holy well · An Baile Riabhach, Co. Kerry
"Stations and rounds were performed at it formerly" - OSNB.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobereleesh Holy well · Knoppoge (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Marked on the 1840-41 and 1914 OS maps as 'Tobereleesh' (Tobar Eilís - well of Eilís), this well is known locally as Knoppoge well, St Brigid's well and Tobar an Leighis (well of the healing).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobergobnet Holy well · Glebe (Iveragh By.), Co. Kerry
A pattern was formerly held here on the 3rd of March (OSL).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Duagh (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: The well is still visited, especially on the Saturday before May Day.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Cinn Aird Thiar (Tc Cinn Aird), Co. Kerry
Small objects are left as offerings; there usually are fresh flowers in small vases or jars.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Kilclogherane, Co. Kerry
Cooke (1906, 10) noted 'an old hawthorn-tree, surrounded by bushes, brambles and ferns' in the immediate vicinity of Tobermurry and a local person recalls that up to the 1960s pieces of black cloth, rosary beads and crosses, made from a nearby bush, hung…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Gortamullin, Co. Kerry
A pattern is held here on August 15th, the feast day of Our Lady, when a major fair is also held in the town.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernasool Holy well · Glandahalin East, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: This well is still visited, especially on the Saturdays before May Day, Midsummer and Michaelmas.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberreendoney Holy well · Ballymanagh, Co. Kerry
The following folklore about this holy well was collected between 1934-8 from Cahersiveen School; 'Tobereendoney or the well of Sunday’s King is also called St Darerca’s Well and is situated in Ballymanagh.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact