Cross-slab in Inchcleraun

Formerly located on Inchcleraun Island, this cross-slab is one of four (see also LF021-048005-, LF021-048009- and LF021-048011-) from the island now in the care of the OPW (Athenry depot, county Galway; see GA084-151003-). It consists of a fragment of a subrectangular, round-topped, grey, fossiliferous limestone slab (H 0.49m; Wth 0.3m; T 0.09m) bearing a simple Latin cross with expanded triangular-shaped terminals. On the lower left hand side there is a small incised double or S-shaped spiral motif. (English 1971, 148; Ciuchini 2010, Stone C, 91-2, 102, fig. 6) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 6 June 2013

Probably dating to the early medieval period (7th–10th century), this cross-slab likely served a Christian commemorative or liturgical function, reflecting the presence of monastic or ecclesiastical activity on Inchcleraun Island. Similar stones are often associated with early Irish saints and may have been linked to the spread of Christianity in the region.