GALLARUS ORATORY

It's hard to imagine a simpler, more spiritual structure than the dry-stone oratory at Gallarus (apparently built between the ^7th and ^8th centuries, although some historians dispute this, such as Christian Lassure, who refers to a ^17th-century family burial chapel). It should be remembered that oratories were chapels, built either in stone or wood, which often formed the very heart of the monastic site. The founder's tomb was located right next to the oratory. Its shape is reminiscent of an overturned stone ship's hull. A hut with a circular opening lets in a stream of light.