Riasc
Riasc
4.5
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4.5
104 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
39
Average
14
Poor
0
Terrible
0
timbertoby
Australia962 contributions
Oct 2019
We were very fortunate to visit the site with a local storyteller. It was a bit tricky to find, however well worth the visit. There were no other visitors.
One of the things I didn't know was that the early Celtic Christians were buried with their feet facing east & a piece of quartz in the right hand so when risen they could prove they were baptised.
The wild fuchsia’s were in full bloom & are named by the locals as the Tears of God.
One of the things I didn't know was that the early Celtic Christians were buried with their feet facing east & a piece of quartz in the right hand so when risen they could prove they were baptised.
The wild fuchsia’s were in full bloom & are named by the locals as the Tears of God.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fáinleog
GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS6,731 contributions
Riasc (or “Reask”) is an early-Christian monastic site dating from 4th-5th century. It is located down narrow country lanes east of Ballyferriter; look for the old green and white sign on the right-hand side of the road if approaching from Ballyferriter.
Parking is available at the side of the lane for 2/3 cars and an OPW board gives some information about the site.
Excavated in the 1970’s, the site comprises a low wall with the remains of several round huts (clochauns), a rectangular oratory, plus some stone slabs engraved with exquisitely carved crosses. In later years after the site had been abandoned, part of it was re-used for the burial of unbaptised infants as it was forbidden to bury them in consecrated ground. In one such grave was found a tiny stone carving of an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
(For in-depth analysis of this and many other archaeological sites on the Dingle Peninsula, the book "Corca Dhuibne, Dingle Peninsula Archaeological Survey" is invaluable).
If you are in the area, Riasc is well-worth the small detour.
(If you’re looking for a “special souvenir“, you will find one of these crosses reproduced on locally designed and crafted jewellery sold in one of the shops in Green Street, Dingle).
Parking is available at the side of the lane for 2/3 cars and an OPW board gives some information about the site.
Excavated in the 1970’s, the site comprises a low wall with the remains of several round huts (clochauns), a rectangular oratory, plus some stone slabs engraved with exquisitely carved crosses. In later years after the site had been abandoned, part of it was re-used for the burial of unbaptised infants as it was forbidden to bury them in consecrated ground. In one such grave was found a tiny stone carving of an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
(For in-depth analysis of this and many other archaeological sites on the Dingle Peninsula, the book "Corca Dhuibne, Dingle Peninsula Archaeological Survey" is invaluable).
If you are in the area, Riasc is well-worth the small detour.
(If you’re looking for a “special souvenir“, you will find one of these crosses reproduced on locally designed and crafted jewellery sold in one of the shops in Green Street, Dingle).
Written 28 June 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cashelguy
Cudahy, WI356 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
This first millenium Christian Monastery is a part of old Ireland that was swept away by the Normans when they arrived in the early second millenium. Here there stood a monastic community that has only recently been excavated. The settlement was divided in two. Part was reserved for prayer, while the other half worked with the local population. The most important artifact is the pre-Christian stone pillar. It had old Celtic scrollwork. When the Christan monks arrived they superimposed a Maltese cross on it to Christianize it.
Written 3 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FeatherB
Midlands, Ireland34 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
We visited after a trip to the Blaskets. It wasn’t easy to find but Google maps was a big help. This archaeological site is well cared for and rewarding to find.
We are following an old guide book from 1977 and I attach a photo of the relevant page.
We are following an old guide book from 1977 and I attach a photo of the relevant page.
Written 23 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoseMarigold77
Inishbiggle, Ireland74 contributions
Mar 2013 • Solo
These peaceful sites are simply that. This is not how ordinary people lived but set aside enclosures for an intensely Christian life of monastic prayer. More Spirit filled than any cathedral
Not hard to find; see the sign on the road.
Not hard to find; see the sign on the road.
Written 11 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie G
Massachusetts179 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
You have to like visiting historic ruins to like this, but if you do, it's great. It's a little off Slea Drive and there are no signs pointing you in the direction. We only found it because of Rick's Steve's Ireland guidebook. No fee, no staff. It's just there in the grass.
It's large carved standings stone is famous and there are a few historic plaques there to give you info.
It's large carved standings stone is famous and there are a few historic plaques there to give you info.
Written 17 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flaneur40
New York City, NY1,693 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Just after leaving Ballyferriter you will pass a microbrewery on the right. The next road you come to (a very narrow road, you will hardly think it is a road) is the road to Riasc. There is a stone marking that the curb of the road indicating that it is An Riasc. Make a right and go slowly about 150 meters and you will see the settlement on the right. There are remains of beehive huts and one very lovely stone marker. Carry on that road and it will bring you out onto a more major road. Make a right here and it will eventually take you back to Dingle.
Written 7 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendra B
Boulder, CO446 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
A cool monastary ruins! If driving Slae head drive it is hard to find but is right right after the Tigh Bhric pub at the unmarked but paved alley. The only marker is a small stone at the entrance that has "Reasc" carved in it but only viewable if driving the Slea head in the wrong direction (counter clockwise).
Written 10 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
Seattle, Washington, United States10 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Pristine restoration of early Christian monastic sight. Avoid being there with a tour group so you can soak in the quiet and get a sense of what the original residents were seeking.
Written 25 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CPaM68
Texas780 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Riasc is an early Monastic site located in County Kerry on the Dingle Peninsula. Nothing remains of the buildings except some short stone walls - simple rows of piled-up rock - which gives an idea of the layout of the small Medieval monastery. Riasc is well known for the Reask Stone, a standing slab of rock inscribed with Celtic and Christian designs, which stands in the middle of the site. The site, which was excavated during the 1970s, also has the remains of several other cross slabs, a burial ground, and the remains of several stone huts. We got some good photos of my daughter and I standing on the stone walls.
Written 17 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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