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Cross-inscribed stone in Dalkey Island

Cross-inscribed stone

What is recorded here

That is a cross-inscribed stone on Dalkey Island. It bears a Greek cross with expanding arms and small markings within a circle, set into the rock beside the old church ruin. People may have traced the lines during prayer, navigation or memory, but the hand and purpose have not survived. The stone still keeps its shape while the meaning withdraws.
Located on rock face NW of Church ruin (DU023-029003-). A Greek cross incised with expanding arms. The quadrants of a small incised circle occupy the angles of the cross arms, in each of which there is a small sub-triangular sinking (Swords, K. ed.2009, 108). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout and Padraig Clancy Revised upload on: 25 June 2018
Likely dating to the early Christian period (5th–9th century AD), the stone may have had a liturgical or commemorative function. The cross design, combined with the circular and triangular elements, suggests a symbolic or ritual significance, possibly linked to early Christian or pre-Christian traditions.

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

What survives
Recorded monument

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