Cross-inscribed stone in Ardocheasty

The floor of St. Declan's Oratory (WA040-008001-) is paved with limestone flags, and a rectangular pit (dims. 2.15m E-W; 0.8m N-S; D 0.95m) set within it is traditionally thought to be the grave of St Declan. Pilgrims removed samples of earth from the pit, where a small cross-inscribed black stone (dims. 5cm x 4cm), known as Dhubheen Deaglain - the little black stone of Declan - was found. This was used as a charm but is now lost. (FitzGerald 1860-1, 51-3) FitzGerald, E. (1860-1) ‘On Lugud’s leacht, and the “Duivhin Deglain.”’ JRSAI, 6, 47-53. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 17 October, 2011