May, 1891. 
THE ARAN ISLANDS. 
105 
of Kilmacduagh; and is also placed among the ruins of 
monastic buildings. This photograph of the interior shows 
work of a much later date, as also do some of the windows. 
I will not attempt a description of many of the churches, 
but I must refer in a few words to another ancient Irish 
peculiarity, viz., the tendency to group churches together. 
In Aran there are the ruins of a group of seven churches all 
built in a little rocky glen, and within the walls of a small 
field, which are also intermingled with monastic ruins. I 
may say that this is not the only place in Ireland where seven 
churches are built together. The founder was St. Breccan, 
the grandson of Carthan Finn, the first King of Thomond. 
who was baptised by St. Patrick himself. About ninety years 
ago his grave was opened, and in it was found a well-shaped 
skull, supposed to be that of the saint; this was reburied (Plate 
VI., fig. 11). The ruins of Teampul Breccan now consist of 
chancel and nave, the chancel being of much more modern 
date, possibly 12th century work, the chancel arch and lancet 
window being very fine pieces of masonry, while the nave is 
built in a ruder manner with cvclopean windows. Here may 
also be seen a finely engraved terminal cross, various inscribed 
stones, one marked “VII. Romani,” and near them are the 
well and bed of St. Breccan, two richly carved crosses which 
have been broken and put together again, on one of which is 
a crucifixion and on the other the knots and interlaced work 
of the usual Irish type, and another prayer-well to the north 
of the ruins. 
On the large island the other churches are the beautiful 
ruin at St. Eany’s grave, the two churches of Kilronan, St. 
Soomey’s, the Church of the Four Beautiful Saints, and 
St. Kieran’s, near the large mound which marks the site 
of the great Connaught Monastery. The east window of this 
church is the most perfect specimen of church architecture 
of its kind now to be found in Ireland. Near it are two 
stone crosses. 
On the middle island is to be seen the ancient oratory of 
St. Cananagli (Plate VI., fig. 12). This is also of sixth century 
date: the doorway is constructed of large stones ; the lintel is 
only 19 or 20 inches wide, and the roof was formed by over¬ 
lapping stones. There are also the ruins of a church dedicated 
to the Holy Virgin, the rudely built and nearly destroyed 
Church of the Seven Kings, and the Tomb and Holy Well of 
the Virgin St. Kenerga. 
On the southern island are the ruins of the Church of 
St. Grobuet and picturesque remains of the Abbey of St. 
Kevin of Aran. 
