Cross-inscribed stone in Cill Mhic An Domhnaigh

A small triangular slab measuring a maximum of .44m. One face is inscribed with an equal-armed cross with expanded terminals; an oval depression occurs at the apex of the same face. The opposite side is inscribed with a more elaborate design, the main motif being an equal-armed cross with scrolled terminals. A small dot occurs in each of the angles between the arms and also at each side of the arms, in the circular spaces defined by the scrolled terminals. The design is enclosed within a triangular frame in each of the lower angles of which is an inscribed circle with a central dot and in the upper angle a small equal-armed cross with expanded terminals. The sides of the triangle do not quite meet at top, but turn upwards to form a penannular circle with a central dot. The earliest reference to this stone placed it within the cashel (KE052-282----) that lies directly outside the NW corner of Pairc na Croise (KE052-283001-). Crawford (1912, 235, No. 26 (b)) noted that it had been removed to Adare Manor but listed it under the same number as the missing slab from Pairc na Croise, as if it had been part of the same site. It is now housed in the West Kerry Museum (http://www.westkerrymuseum.com/bearla/earlymedcat.html). The above description is derived from J. Cuppage (compiler) 'Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey.' Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne (1986), no. 862. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2013

A small prehistoric or early Christian inscribed stone, likely used for ritual or commemorative purposes; the cross and oval depression may indicate a Christian adaptation of earlier symbolic or ceremonial features.