Cross-inscribed stone in Caherpierce

Tobar na Croise: One of the large rocks beside the well is apparently inscribed with 4 crosses (An Seabhac 1939, 203; Ó Danachair 1960, 76-7) but only 1 possible cross-like marking is now visible. However, there is a small modern crucifix cemented onto the rock face. Both Ó Danachair and An Seabhac noted that rounds were no longer made here, but local information indicates that it has been visited in very recent times and that it was associated with St. Brendan's day in particular. See attached colour photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 929. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 1 November 2022

Likely dating to the early Christian period, the cross-inscribed stone in Caherpierce may have been associated with a local holy well or place of worship. Such stones often marked sacred sites or were used in ritual contexts connected to Christian or pre-Christian traditions.