Illaunloughan

Illaunloughan

c. 7th century: Founded as an early Christian monastic site, likely serving monks travelling toward Skellig Michael.

10th–12th centuries: Continued use as a small hermitage and burial place.

17th–20th centuries: Island reused as a burial ground for infants, known locally as a cillín.

1950s: Archaeological interest first recorded; early surface surveys noted chapel remains.

1988–1992: Formal excavations by the National Monuments Service uncovered stone structures, brooches, tools, and shell deposits.

2001: Designated a Recorded Monument and placed under heritage protection.


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