What is recorded here

Marigold, a small patterned cross inscribed on rock, still faces the sea on the south slope of Mass Mount. It is not a distant ruin but a living marker beside a holy well and another cross, waiting to be read by whoever climbs the grass.

On S slope of Mass Mount, overlooking Adrigole Harbour and Bantry Bay to SW. 'Marigold' (diam. 0.14m) patterned cross inscribed on rock outcrop. O'Brien (1968, 71) suggests cross may be of 'recent date'. Similar cross (CO103-009---) c. 150m to N; holy well (CO116-014001-) to SW. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Likely dating to the early Christian period, the cross-inscribed stone may have served a religious or territorial marking function. Local folklore sometimes associates such crosses with protective or sacred sites, though specific traditions for this stone are not recorded.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.