An Chros Tau

At about the mid point on the S side of Tory Island is a settlement called West Town clustered around a small bay. This settlement includes within it and close to it the remains of the early ecclesiastical complex on the island (National Monument number 24). The available literature seems to refer to several structures and monuments no longer visible. In particular the Civil Survey of 1654-56 (Simington 1937, 114) refers to 'five churches almost ruined' only one of which seems to survive. Literary references to Tory appear to begin in the 7th century and continue throughout the early and later medieval period indicating its ecclesiastical nature (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 46). At the head of the pier at West Town is a T-shaped or Tau cross carved from a single block of stone. It is 1.9m high, the shaft is .4m wide, the cross is .15m thick. The head of the cross is 1.1m wide and 0.35m deep. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In this instance the entry has been revised and updated. Revised by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 13 March 2013

The Tory Island Cross, also known as An Chros Tau, is a high cross dating to the early medieval period, likely between the 8th and 10th centuries, and is associated with the early Christian settlement on Tory Island. Its style reflects typical Irish high cross artistry, and it is thought to have had a religious or commemorative function within the local ecclesiastical complex.