The Gallarus Oratory is amazing both in its history, and in its construction, the countryside where it resides is also just breathtaking. We decided as darkness approached to camp in tents not far from where this early Christian Church resides. Waking up in the early morning, scattered clouds with a light rain, the depth of silence, looking across the green fields out to Smerwick Harbour and the north Atlantic Ocean, I must say was some kind of feeling that is hard to describe. Something majestic about this area, and the way it feels, it is very hard to explain, its like being in a movie about things and times long long ago. The church itself was discovered by antiquary Charles Smith in 1756, it is estimated that the church is over 1000 years old, and was built between the 7th and 12th century.
The Gallarus Visitor Centre is also very nice, there is a nice little coffee shop, a picnic area very near the archaeological structures, and the Visitor Centre also has restroom facilities which are well kept.
I absolutely recommend visiting this place to everyone, I will definitely be traveling back to this area to explore and enjoy the beauty and isolation of it. Hopefully we will someday cross paths on the countryside! read more