What is recorded here
On Bartragh Island, in Killala Bay. The 1838 OS Letters (O’Flanagan 1927, 154) refer to an unsuccessful attempt to find a cross, which according to Tirechan's Life of Saint Patrick, was erected by St. Patrick in Bertrigia (Bartragh) 'as a sign (in signaculum) of the Cross of Christ...’. There is no trace of this possible cross on the island.
Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy
Date of upload: 8 May 2019
St. Patrick is traditionally credited with erecting the cross on Bartragh Island in the 5th century, according to Tirechan's Life of Saint Patrick, though no physical remains were found in 1838. The cross is associated with early Christian activity in the region and holds local religious and historical significance.
This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- No visible remains or recorded as destroyed
Places near here
Bartragh IslandIsland · 288 yd
Barnasock PointHeadland · 1364 yd
Moyne Abbey in ruinsReligious house, Franciscan friars · 1557 yd
Horse IslandIslet · 1740 yd
Battlefields of MoyneBattlefield · 1.1 mi
Enclosure in Bartragh IslandEnclosure · 1.2 mi
Gortabradawn PointHeadland · 1.4 mi
Cross FortFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1.6 mi
Ballysakeery CastleCastle, unclassified · 1.8 mi
Bawn in Meelick (tirawley By.)Bawn · 2.0 mi