Kilcatherine Church: A Window to Ireland's Past

Discover ancient history and serene beauty at Kilcatherine Church in County Cork, a hidden gem on the Beara Peninsula.

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Kilcatherine Church

Kilcatherine Church, nestled in Gortgarriff, Co. Cork, is a captivating historical landmark. This medieval church, possibly dating back to the 7th century, stands on a monastic site and is named after St. Caithinghearn, also known as "The Cat Goddess". Explore the ancient stone crosses in the graveyard and soak in the serene atmosphere of this unique historical site.

A brief summary to Kilcatherine Church

Gortgarriff, Gortgarriff, Co. Cork, IE
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Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Take a moment to walk around the church grounds to fully appreciate the tranquil scenery.
Engage with local residents for stories and insights about the church's history.

Getting There

Walking

If you are in Gortgarriff, Kilcatherine Church is accessible by foot. Head south on the R572 road. After about 1 km, look for the sign for Kilcatherine Church on your right. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

To reach Kilcatherine Church using public transport, take a bus from Bantry to Castletownbere. Bus Éireann operates this service, and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes. From Castletownbere, take a taxi to Gortgarriff, approximately 5 km away. Taxis can usually be found outside the bus station. Expect taxi fares to be around €10-€15.

Discover more about Kilcatherine Church

Kilcatherine Church, located in the tranquil countryside of Gortgarriff, County Cork, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Ireland's rich history and spiritual heritage. The church, possibly dating back to the 7th century, is built upon the remains of an early monastic site and is dedicated to St. Caithinghearn. The north wall of the church is almost entirely missing, adding to the atmospheric feel of the site. Inside, the church features a window above the altar with a splaying. In the south wall, a niche likely served as a piscina, while a small ambry can be found in the opposite wall. The churchyard contains a stone cross believed to be one of the oldest in Ireland. The cross leans slightly and stands near a dried-up holy well. The surrounding graveyard is filled with old burial markers. Visitors can wander the grounds and discover ancient grave markers and remnants of a vibrant community. Photographers will find endless opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. Engaging with locals can provide further insight into the site's historical significance.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kilcatherine Church

0.0 km

Discover ancient history and serene beauty at Kilcatherine Church in County Cork, a hidden gem on the Beara Peninsula.

The Beara Gallery

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Bere Island

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Healy Pass

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Healy Pass Scenic Viewpoint

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Loughane More Ring Fort

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Uragh Stone Circle(Ciorcal Cloch Uragh)

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Ballinskelligs Abbey

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Caha Pass

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Tobar Fionáin (Holy Well)

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Mizen Peak

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Barley Cove Beach

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Birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, Cahersiveen, Kerry, Ireland

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Birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, Cahersiveen, Kerry, Ireland

Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church

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The Old Abbey of the Holy Cross

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Unmissable attractions to see

Beara way

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Discover the wild beauty and ancient history of Ireland's Beara Peninsula on this stunning coastal walking trail.

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Kenmare River View (no signpost)

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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Kenmare River View (no signpost)

Cuas Pier Caves

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Ardgroom Stone Circle

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Derreenataggart Stone Circle

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Dog's Point

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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Castletownbere Harbour

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Experience the rugged beauty and maritime charm of Castletownbere Harbour, a gem on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork, Ireland.

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Castletownbere Harbour

Sarah Walker Gallery

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The Old Forge

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Trá an Phéarla (Trawnfearla) cove

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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Dooneen Scenic viewpoint

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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Dooneen Scenic viewpoint

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Bere Island West

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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Bere Island West

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Gour

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Staigue Stone Fort

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Pearse Lyne

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Essential places to dine

The Village inn

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Millbrook Bar

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Murphy's Restaurant

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Breen's Lobster Bar

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The Crêpeman Crêperie

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Lynch's on the Pier

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O'Carroll's Cove Restaurant & Bar

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The Lookout

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Murphys Restaurant & B&B

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Berehaven Restaurant & Bar

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Josie's Lakeview House

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Scarriff Inn

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Skelligs Picnic Boxes

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The Blue Bull

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Sacre Coeur Restaurant

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Explore An Tigin in Waterville for unique Irish crafts, showcasing the best of local artistry and perfect for memorable souvenirs.

Discover Dessie's Bar in Millcove, a cozy Irish pub offering a delightful selection of drinks and a warm atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Kilcatherine Church: A Window to Ireland's Past

A brief summary to Kilcatherine Church

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Unlock the Best of Kilcatherine Church

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Kilcatherine Church

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kilcatherine Church

The Beara Gallery

Bere Island

Healy Pass

Healy Pass Scenic Viewpoint

Loughane More Ring Fort

Uragh Stone Circle(Ciorcal Cloch Uragh)

Ballinskelligs Abbey

Caha Pass

Tobar Fionáin (Holy Well)

Mizen Peak

Barley Cove Beach

Birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, Cahersiveen, Kerry, Ireland

Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church

The Old Abbey of the Holy Cross

Unmissable attractions to see

Beara way

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Kenmare River View (no signpost)

Cuas Pier Caves

Ardgroom Stone Circle

Derreenataggart Stone Circle

Dog's Point

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Castletownbere Harbour

Sarah Walker Gallery

The Old Forge

Trá an Phéarla (Trawnfearla) cove

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Dooneen Scenic viewpoint

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Bere Island West

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Gour

Staigue Stone Fort

Pearse Lyne

Essential places to dine

The Village inn

Millbrook Bar

Murphy's Restaurant

Breen's Lobster Bar

The Crêpeman Crêperie

Lynch's on the Pier

O'Carroll's Cove Restaurant & Bar

The Lookout

Murphys Restaurant & B&B

Berehaven Restaurant & Bar

Josie's Lakeview House

Scarriff Inn

Skelligs Picnic Boxes

The Blue Bull

Sacre Coeur Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

THE PINK UMBRELLA

Milleens Cheese Ltd.

Marianne Klopp

Margarets Classic Charm

Tinas Boutique

Indigo Boutique

Spar

Wiseman's Bedding & Furniture

Daybreak Convenience Store

Ocean Bloom - Organic Seaweed Skincare

Hickey´s Music Sneem

Ring of Kerry Gifts

Wild Atlantic Way Antiques

Adrigole Arts

An Tigin

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Causkeys Bar

O'Shea's Bar

The Urhan Inn Pub

Ardgroom Village