Cross-slab in An Baile Ard

A six-sided stone-walled enclosure (DG080-004001-) known as Garrai an Turas (the pilgrimage field). It was probably originally rectangular with a secondary extension to the S. It now measures 19.55m E-W and 16.1m maximum N-S. In the interior are three penitential cairns (DG080-004002-) with associated slabs. (1) a horseshoe-shaped cairn 3.85m × 4.5m, 1.46m in height. Near the centre is a slab (DG080-004003-) 1.3m × 0.35m. On its NW face are two simple crosses. (2) A cairn (DG080-004004-) 4.35m × 3.4m, 1.46m in height. Set on top of this is a slab (DG080-004005-) .65m × 0.25m. On the N face is a geometric design consisting of rectangular grooved divisions along each edge. (3) A cairn (DG080-004007-) 4.9m × 3.6m, 1.2m in height. Set on top of this is an uninscribed slab (DG080-004008-) .95m × 0.38m which might be said to have a vague cross-shaped elevation. The site is located on a ledge on the N flank of Glencolumbkille valley in fair pasture surrounded by rougher land. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

A cross-slab in a likely early medieval Christian context, possibly associated with pilgrimage or ritual activity. Its placement within a modified enclosure suggests a ceremonial or ecclesiastical function.