What is recorded here

St Kieran's holy well in Clonmacnoise still holds an Early Christian cross-slab with expanded terminals and a partial OR DO inscription. Beside it, a triangular headstone keeps a forgotten carving, while a broken female bust and vernacular crucifixion repeat the command to repent and do penance. The stones turn a quiet drink of water into a stern warning, forcing the living to answer before the dead.

National Monument No. 81. Around the perimeter of St Kierans holy well (OF005-035001-) there is an Early Christian cross inscribed slab with an incised cross with expanded terminals and partial OR DO inscription visible. Beside this slab there is a triangular shaped headstone with the faint outline of a carving of unknown shape. To the SE of the well there is what appears to be a vernacular representation of the crucifixion with a simple figure of Christ with Breath of life motif on chest with inscription over head reading 'Repent and do penance' (OF005-035002-). To the E of the well there is what appears to be a late medieval carved bust possibly contemporary with the crucifixion because both have the same inscription. The bust is broken showing us how the head was attached to the body by a metal spike. The head was that of a female with what appears to be a medieval headress on top. The inscription 'Repent do penance' appears on the front of the bust. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Probably dating to the Early Christian period (7th–9th century AD), the cross-slab is associated with the monastic site of Clonmacnoise and may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, reflecting the area's historical role as a religious and cultural centre.

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