What is recorded here

Inishcaltra is a small island in County Clare, Ireland. The island has an architectural fragment recorded at its original location. The fragment is a gable finial with an elaborate cross at the centre. The finial is no longer on the island. It is kept in the OPW depot in Athenry, County Galway. Drawings by Macalister and De Paor show the shape and cross detail. The exact spot where the finial stood is not known. Another decorated finial from the same island is in St. Caimin’s church. A third heart-shaped finial is described, but its present location is unknown. What remains is a small stone piece, moved from the island, still carrying the shape of the place that lost it.

Not listed in the SMR (1992) or the 1996 RMP. This record is for the original location of a gable finial from Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), Co. Clare, now in the OPW depot in Athenry, Co. Galway where it has SMR number (GA084-151010-). A drawing by Macalister (1916-17, pl. 10) and later by De Paor (SMR file, List 1, no. 30) shows the finial to have an elaborate cross at the centre. The exact original location of the finial is unknown. Portion of another decorated finial is depicted alongside this in Macalister (pl. 10). This is currently located in St. Caimin’s church (CL029-009011-). A third heart-shaped finial (current location unknown) is described by Macalister (ibid., 168, no. 98, pl. XXIV). Revised by: Mary Tunney Date of revision: 25 April 2016

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