A Clochan is drystone hut with a corbelled roof, dating from the early middle ages. They are most commonly round ('beehive huts), but rectangular plans are known as well. Most experts think that these are later in date. Some Clochans are not completely built of stone, but seem to have possessed a thatched roof. The walls are very thick, up to 1,5 m. Sometimes several clochans are joined together by their walls.

Clochans are mainly found in the Southwest of Ireland, for example at Skellig Michael, Church Island off Beginish Island and Reask (County Kerry, Dingle Peninsula). Many occur in religious contexts, but there are others in ringforts (like Leacanbuaile, Co. Kerry) that are commonly interpreted as secular dwellings. Elaborate dry walled stone churches like the St. Gallarus Oratory may derive from Clochans.

This kind of houses have been described in the 7./8th century law Críth Gablach.

further reading

• Nancy Edwards, The archaeology of early medieval Ireland (London, Batsford 1990).