What is recorded here

Cross-slab number 5 in Churchland, County Offaly, is a creamy white granite fragment bearing an unringed celtic cross in relief, lacking both top and base. St. Kieran the elder founded the place in the fifth century, yet the slab still lies abandoned on the ground west of the Church of Ireland church. Its circular hollows at the angles and arms extending beyond the chamfer suggest a forgotten craft, perhaps marking a boundary or praying for someone whose name time has erased.

Founded by St. Kieran the elder in the fifth century (ITA Survey 1943). Early Christian cross-slab described by Crawford as 'a fourth early slab (not described)' (Crawford 1913, 265). In 1916 Crawford described this slab as 'a fragment showing in relief the upper portion of a cross with circular hollows at the angles' (Crawford 1916, 166). Cross-slab number 5 in the Urban Survey (Bradley et. al. 1986, 49) that is described as a 'Fragment lying on the ground west of the Church of Ireland church. Creamy white granite slab (dims. H 0.86m x Wth 0.68m x T 0.08m) with unringed celtic cross in relief, lacking top and base. Chamfered sides but the cross-arms extend beyond the chamfer. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Probably dating to the early Christian period (5th–7th century), the cross-slab likely served a religious or commemorative function, possibly associated with the early monastic site founded by St. Kieran. Its design may reflect Insular Christian artistic traditions.

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