Cross-inscribed stone in Baile An Chalaidh

Kilbeg/An Chill Bheag: A subrectangular enclosure KE042-038001- located about 30m E of Kilmore. The cross-inscribed bullaun stone and the 3 cross-inscribed stones that lie within the site are probably the penitential stations noted on the OS maps. (1) Located in the SW corner, this stone stands .52m high and is .33m wide at base and c. 0.06m thick. Its E face is inscribed with a roughly equal-armed cross. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 815. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013

Probably dating to the early medieval period, the cross-inscribed stone likely served a Christian penitential or ritual function, associated with pilgrimage or spiritual practice. Such stones are often linked to local folklore surrounding healing, repentance, or sacred sites.