Kilpatrick Dun

Kilpatrick is an intriguing site, a complex of ancient structures variously described as a dun, or fort, and a cashel associated with a monastery founded by St Brandon (a cashel is a circular enclosure bounded by a drystone wall, though the term is often used to describe an early Celtic religious site).

The association with St Brandon is probably dubious, but this has not stopped Kilpatrick from being a destination for modern pilgrimages.

At Kilpatrick there are two obvious enclosures; a large 'cashel', which is more likely to be a Celtic homestead, enclosing an area of over 2 acres. Within the cashel wall is a smaller enclosure measuring about 50 feet in diameter. This 'dun' is set within a thick stone wall stretching from 3.7m to 4.6m thick. Inside the dun wall is at least one chamber.

Given the variety of walls on the site, it seems clear that Kilpatrick was occupied for a long time, from at least the Romano-British period well into the late medieval era. Outside the large enclosing wall are four smaller hut circles, plus several boulders that seem to make an alignment pattern. Archaeological investigation suggests an ancient field pattern, but evidence for this is almost non-existent on the ground.

There is a small signposted path and parking area just off the A841. A half-mile-long trail leads to the dun. Good footwear is advisable.