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Cross-slab in Inishcaltra OR Holy Island

Cross-slab

What is recorded here

Inishcaltra Holy Island in County Clare holds a twelfth-century cross-slab beside the Saint’s graveyard entrance. The plain Latin cross remains open at the bottom, inviting wonder about the people who placed it near death and memory. Its small size and unusual gap suggest prayer, warning or identity rather than finished display.
Situated close to the entrance to the ‘Saint’s graveyard’ (CL029-009030-) on Inis Cealtra (10.3m from the S wall and 2.9m from the W wall). Noted by Macalister (1916-17, 154, no. 39) as of ‘twelfth-century type’ and described as ‘a slab, 5ft 4in (1.62m) by 1ft 6 1/2in (0.46m)…Plain Latin cross…left open at the bottom.’ Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 October 2015
Probably dating to the early medieval period (12th century), the cross-slab is associated with the monastic and ecclesiastical heritage of Inis Cealtra, a site traditionally linked to Saint Gobnait. It may have marked a sacred space or served as a memorial within the saint’s graveyard.

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

What survives
Recorded monument

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