Cross-slab in Cruach Na Cara

Located just above the landing place at Cruach na Cara/St Macdara’s Island, this granite cross-slab (H 0.98m; Wth 0.46m) is beautifully decorated on both faces. Described by Higgins (1987, ii, 348-9, no. 72) as a pillar that has been worked to look vaguely cruciform, short stubby arms project slightly from the sides. The E face bears a large outline Latin cross in false relief with prominent T-shaped terminals. The base terminates in a pair of opposed angular spirals. A roundel is visible at the junction of the arms and shaft and there is a small boss with a central hollow in each of the two upper cantons. Possible conjoined boss-like features are evident in the lower cantons. The W face bears another Latin cross in false relief that is enclosed in a broken semicircular band. The cross forms an openwork pattern and has subrectangular terminals with two ‘steps’ beneath each arm. There is a rectilinear recess at the junction of the arms and shaft and it contains a boss with a central hollow. Conjoined bosses, similar to those on the E face, are visible in the lower cantons. A large triquetra knot is visible below the cross. Another recumbent cross-slab (GA076-020001-) is visible 6m to the N. (Bigger 1896, 109-110; Crawford 1907, 212, 218) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 6 June 2018

Probably dating to the early medieval period, this cross-slab may be associated with St Macdara, reflecting Christian devotion or a memorial function. Its location near a landing place suggests it could have had a ritual or waymarking role in coastal pilgrimage or local tradition.