Constructed entirely of local gray stone in a peculiar shape with slightly rounded sides and a pointed roof, the Gallarus Oratory is a small chapel in County Kerry, Ireland. Located at the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, the church offers more questions than answers.
Story
The history of the Gallarus oratory is a bit of a mystery. Over the years, the Gallarus Oratory was believed to be an early Christian church, or a 12th century chapel, or possibly a refuge for people on pilgrimage, or even a burial site. While it is still impossible to say for sure, it appears that the stone structure was built over a tomb. Historians set the date of construction anywhere from the 7th to the 12th century.
Charles Smith discovered the Gallarus Oratory in 1756. In 1758, an English visitor named Richard Pococke mentioned that he had visited the Gallarus Oratory in a letter. When you saw the site, you also heard a local legend about its history, writing:
«Near this building they show a tomb with a head on the cross and they call it the Giant’s tomb; the tradition is that Griffith More was buried there, and as they called it a chapel, then it was probably built by him or his family in his burial place ‘.
Part of the confusion about the history of the Gallarus Oratory stems from discussions of the Irish-language origins of “Gallarus.” Some say it comes from Gall Aras , which means “house of foreigners” and supports the theory that the building housed pilgrims who came to Ireland. However, others insist that the name comes from Gall-iorrus, which translates as “Rocky headland” and would accurately describe the landscape in this part of the Dingle Peninsula.
What to see
The Gallarus oratory resembles the inverted hull of a boat with two slightly curved sides that meet at the apex of the roof.
The interior is approximately 16 feet long by 10 feet wide, making it more appropriate to call the building an oratory (chapel) than a church. It is still possible to walk inside, but expect the interior to be poorly lit. This is because the building has only a small round window on the east wall and the main door on the west wall, so daylight barely seeps inside.
Outside the chapel is a three foot high stone that reads “DINUM MAC COLUM” and is crowned with a circled cross. This slab is often interpreted as a tombstone.
When you visit the chapel, take the time to admire the stonework. The rocks, which were probably brought in from the cliffs along the sea, have been cut on all sides. The large stones fit perfectly together and were clearly shaped and assembled with great care. This sturdy construction is what has allowed the structure to remain over the centuries with very little damage. It also made the building completely waterproof, allowing Irish rain to run down the sides.
There is a privately run visitor center with more information on the Gallarus Oratory that you can explore for a small fee and watch a video presentation on the site. The visitor center has parking and a gift shop.
Place and how to visit
The Gallarus Oratory is located in the countryside of County Kerry on the Dingle Peninsula. The chapel is free to visit, but the optional visitor center charges an admission fee to view the exhibits. The oratory is open all year round, but the center is closed during the winter.
Because the chapel is outside and free, you can visit the Gallarus Oratory at any time, but it is best during the day because there is no electricity to light up the old chapel.
The chapel can be found five miles outside of Dingle town and can be reached via the R559. It is located off the Wild Atlantic Way and is a popular stop with tour buses in the area.
From the visitor center, there is a path that takes you approximately 200 feet to reach the royal Gallarus Oratory.
What else to do nearby
Not far from the oratory are the ruins of the castle of Gallarus. The castle was built in the 15th century , and the four floors of the fortified tower still stand. Restoration work is ongoing so it is not possible to enter, but it is a good quick stop if you are already walking in the area.
The Gallarus Oratory is very close to Dingle Town, one of the most charming towns in West Kerry. The city has a charming harbor and is known for its excellent restaurants and charming pubs. If you have time to take a boat tour, you can even see the city’s most famous resident, Fungie the dolphin, who has lived in the area for decades.
To better explore this scenic part of Ireland, drive the circular route at the end of the peninsula known as Slea Head Drive. There are steep cliffs but also incredible views. You can also take a short detour to see Minard Castle.
