Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Province of Munster / County Kerry / Dingle Peninsula / Dingle / Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory, Dingle

4.3

#1 of 77 in Things to do in Dingle

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 Reviews

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1,101 reviews

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4.3

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199 likes

Giovanna G

August 17, 2017

E? considerata la chiesa cristiana più antica di tutta l'Irlanda .La chiesa, che si trova l nella contea del Kerry, nella Penisola di Dingle, è il sito archeologico più famoso e interessante di questa... more »

And? considered the oldest Christian Church of all Ireland. The Church, which lies in the County of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, is the most famous archaeological site and interesting part of this peninsula, it is a small building with pitched roof consisting entirely of stone, especially the visit does not take long but worth it.

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Corrado R

August 17, 2017

When you are touring in Dingle, take a short visit to this oratory, it is verywell preserved and gives a good impression of life in year 800 or thereabout. more »
Heidi W

August 17, 2017

everything about this great place is outstanding. there is good accessability for people with a wheelchair. We had a really good experience. The owner/manager 'Seamus' was very helpful and friendly. O... more »

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Jacob Hafler

July 1, 2017

Very interesting construction! It was built only with stacked stones (no mortar), yet it's waterproof. I'd say it's worth the visitor center fee, and I didn't even watch the video (though I hear there's a free footpath leading to the oratory, that's worth looking into).

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Kim C. Huett

May 23, 2017

Loved the oratory. Dry stone construction/corbelling is like 3-dimensional puzzle construction. An incredible technique used by Western Irish for centuries. Be sure to watch the 10-minite video and use the toilets. Worth every penny.

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Wendy Hems

June 7, 2017

Impressive that the building is still standing but disappointing that the visitor centre is charging €3 pp when there is a free footpath up the road. The footpath (in the picture) is also more pleasant than the path from the visitors centre. Not worth €3 but good for free.

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Gypsy Scribbler

June 28, 2017

Interesting place. Allocate about half an hour : 15 minutes for the introductory movie and 15 minutes for the church itself.

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Matthias Metzger

June 1, 2017

The Oratory is stunning and one of the Highlights on the Slea Head Drive. Don't miss. And while you're in the area, also drop by the near church ground and ruin of Kilmalkedar Church!

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Dingle Town represents a relaxed, artistic destination known for having plenty of affordable bed and breakfasts and other specialty accommodations. Many of these cluster right in the town's center, although the town also has a number of hotels, hostels, and other lodging for tourists. Here it's even normal to stumble upon a pub offering accommodation. A more luxurious (and often costly) option for travelers taking in the beauty of this peninsula is to stay in a scenic guesthouse overlooking Dingle Bay, which you can find in or right outside of town.

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Gallarus Oratory, Dingle

Giovanna G

Corrado R

Heidi W

Jacob Hafler

Kim C. Huett

Wendy Hems

Gypsy Scribbler

Matthias Metzger

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