Cross-slab in Cloonburren

On the summit of an esker within view of Clonmacnoise monastery, Co. Offaly (OF005-004----) c. 4.5km to the ENE. An almost complete cross-slab and fragments of nine others are displayed in the graveyard (RO056-007001-), but four recorded slabs are not present. This is the large almost complete cross-slab (Wth 0.97m; H 0.86m) with expanded terminals and portion of an inscription that reads: OR DO MAEL../ EIRG (Macalister 1912, 28). It is displayed in the graveyard (Herity et al. 1997, 115, 004, Cloonburren 001). See the attached image. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 October, 2014

Probably dating to the early medieval period (8th–11th centuries), the cross-slab likely served a Christian commemorative or liturgical function, possibly associated with the influence of Clonmacnoise monastery. Such stones often bore inscriptions or symbols linked to local saints or landowners, though specific folklore or dedications for this example are not recorded.