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Gallarus Oratory, Dingle

4.3
#1 of 93 in Things to do in Dingle
#Ruin, #Religious Site
Climbing out of Gallarus Oratory through its window cleanses one's soul, according to local mythology. Visiting the 1,000-year-old church proves this cannot be done, as the structure's window measures only 18 cm (7 in) in length and 12 cm (5 in) in width. Despite its small dimensions, the ancient church represents the pinnacle of dry-stone architecture, built using techniques originally developed by Neolithic tomb makers. The builders cut the stones with such precision that even after a millennium the structure exhibits a smooth finish on its outside walls. Take a walk around this simple structure to fully appreciate the level of skill needed to fit the stones so precisely together. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Gallarus Oratory by using our Dingle itinerary planning app .
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Gallarus Oratory Tours
Private Tour: Dingle Peninsula from Killarney BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $65
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Private Tour of Dingle Peninsula from Killarney BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $352
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Private Guided Tour of Dingle Peninsula from Tralee BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $440
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Gallarus Oratory Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.0
1,183 reviews
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4.3
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  • By Sergiy M On March 17, 2018
    One of the oldest churches in Ireland was built in 7th century. Church is very small but you can get inside and feel you a part of the history. It is free of charge. Open I think from April till Octob...  more »
  • By RmcoUK On March 12, 2018
    This was the main site on the peninsula we had chosen to see - lots more were found. Very friendly reception and a very special site.  more »
  • By Dionysia8 On March 1, 2018
    Very neat to know that this has been used for centuries as a place of worship. Close to Dingle, don't miss this!  more »
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  • By Shaleena Quinlan On March 23, 2018
    This is such a unique place with a long history. It is possible that it is an 8th century church, but that isn't confirmed. Whatever entails its true story, it is worth a visit, but don't just go and look, be sure to make some noise inside - the acoustics are wonderful.
  • By User User Freedom On December 20, 2017
    Beautiful Oratory owned by the Irish government which is free of charge for all to enter. Beware "visitor centre" nearby is actually private commercial enterprise set up by local "entrepreneur" who has his own entrance into the monument which you can pay to use.I guess this centre does offer parking so make your own mind up if you want to use that.Bit of shame authorities allow someone to misuse one of our national treasures like this.
  • By Rudi Herwig On October 31, 2017
    Good historical venue...has an audio visual presentation straight from the 80s before you set off...small gift shop with not a great deal of merchandise for tourists. Cafe was also closed for the season. The building itself it impressive in it's age and condition and there are some other ruin stones around that leaves you wondering what the significance of it was but your left wanting...all in all not horrible and worth stopping by if historical venues are your thing...
  • By Aoileann Ni Chonchubhair On April 1, 2018
    Beautiful especially at dawn mass on Easter Sunday morning.
  • By דרור לביא-אפרת On March 26, 2018
    Well worth the visit. Very old dwelling house, still intact.
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