What is recorded here

An Choill Bheag Íochtair holds a sandstone pillar twice through both faces, set beside the church associated with St Brendan of Clonfert. Once upright in another place, it was reset here and has since leaned under moss and rain. The cross on each side still marks the stone as a boundary between worlds, even if gravity has begun to erase the line.

Located in the graveyard (GA027-034001-) surrounding the church (GA027-034----) and within an ecclesiastical enclosure (GA027-034002-) associated with St Brendan of Clonfert (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 402). Described by Higgins (1987, ii, 279, no. 10) as a cross-inscribed sandstone pillar (L 1.33m; Wth 0.22m; T 0.22m) partly covered with moss and lichen. Both its E and W faces bear a simple deeply pocked equal-armed cross. The pillar is set in a shallow socket and is most likely in a secondary position. When recorded by Higgins (ibid.) it was almost recumbent. (Purefoy Colles 1870, 268) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 28 May 2018

Probably dates to the early medieval period, associated with Christian monastic activity in the area. The cross inscription may have served a liturgical or commemorative function, reflecting the influence of St Brendan’s ecclesiastical tradition.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.