Cross-inscribed pillar in Cill Maoilchéadair

National Monument No. 65. The Early Christian and Medieval ecclesiastical complex at Kilmalkedar (KE042-026----) lies at the foot of the W slopes of Reenconnell hill, overlooking Smerwick Harbour. The Reenconnell ridge peaks at 907 feet/276m to NE of the site and the area around Kilmalkedar is sheltered on its N and S sides by spurs of this hill. (3) Alphabet stone (KE042-026003-) Fig. 184: Now erected on a modern base beside the chancel arch of the church, this pillar stone stands 1.22m high but is broken across the top. The W side of the stone is inscribed with the invocation DNI, a contraction of Domini, and with a later inscription consisting of the Latin alphabet in half-uncial script. On the basis of the epigraphy, a date in the 2nd half of the 6th century has been suggested for the latter (Bieler 1949, 271). The S face is inscribed with a Latin cross with scrolled terminals. Above this a small part of a cross-in-circle motif is visible, the cross probably having similar scrolled terminals to the one beneath. Only the scrolled terminal and stem of the cross on the N face survive. To see a 3D model of this monument, visit; https://skfb.ly/6pyMK See attached line drawing taken from Cuggape 1986, fig. 184. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 855. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 8 August 2013

Probably dates to the Early Christian period, associated with the ecclesiastical site at Kilmalkedar. The cross inscription may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, reflecting Christian worship or a marker for a holy well or burial ground.