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

Gallarus Oratory, Dingle

4.6

Must see · Ruin · Religious Site

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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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Tours to Gallarus Oratory

FROM £43 BOOK WITH VIATOR Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour

4.9

Duration: 3 hours

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FROM £217 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour 4 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour

5.0

Duration: 4 hours

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FROM £173 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour 3 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour

5.0

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from £173 ›

FROM £390 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full Day Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour Full Day Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour

5.0

Duration: 7 hours

Tours from £390 ›

FROM £57 BOOK WITH VIATOR Dingle Peninsula Tour from Dingle with wifi on board Dingle Peninsula Tour from Dingle with wifi on board

Duration: 4 to 6 hours

Tours from £57 ›

Gallarus Oratory reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,623 reviews

Google

4.7

By mafischl

This building is amazing. Built in the seventh century! Don't park in the first lot. They will charge you. Stay on the small road and park on the left side for free with a shorter walk!

This building is amazing. Built in the seventh century! Don't park in the first lot. They will charge you. Stay on the small road and park on the left side for free with a shorter walk! more »
By eileene792

It was really nice, worth your money. The technique used seems incredible. You must go there ! 👍🏻 On sunny days you have the change to see better inside.

It was really nice, worth your money. The technique used seems incredible. You must go there ! 👍🏻 On sunny days you have the change to see better inside. more »
By LKH17

Who would have guessed that this ancient site was in Ireland at this location. It was worth the stop and nice to walk around to break up the windy roads.

Who would have guessed that this ancient site was in Ireland at this location. It was worth the stop and nice to walk around to break up the windy roads. more »

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Google

By Brendan Doherty

Unique. A must see if visiting the Dingle Peninsula. Close by is Kilmakeadar, with its Ogham. Why not kill two birds with one stone? - Sorry about that.

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By Robert Brady

very accessable, the walk from the car park to the visitor center and site is almost nonexistent. really well kept and in great condition

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By james noone

Great spot to visit and for free. A beautifully crafted stone chapel, a gem, from the seventh or eighth century ad. Made from local sandstone, it stands proud of it's Fuchsia dotted landscape overlooking Smerwick Harbour. It is an unusually unique building well worth the visit.

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By Greg Stringham

Unique historical place! Enjoyed the video even though it is a bit dated. It gave a lot of great details on other local places to visit. The gentleman at the counter was very helpful and gave us hints on our return to Dingle.

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By Frank Murphy

Unique stone building. Still weather tight. Shaped like an upturned boat to repel water. Parking available. Small inscribed cross nearby. Easily accessed.

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