Cross-slab in Inishmurray

Located in the ecclesiastical enclosure/cashel (SL001-001001-), to SE of Teach Molaise (SL001-001005-). Tapering slab (H: 1.20 m, W: 0.596 m, 0.136 m) whose upper two thirds is filled with a cross (0.828 m by 0.496 m) formed of U-shaped cuts 0.04 m wide. The cross arms curve steadily into each other at the crossing and the space created is filled with a low false-relief boss (Diam: 0.092 m). The upper arm has an expanded serif terminal with proud butt, while the left arm has a slightly cusped butt (0.108 m). The terminal of the right arm has been lost. The shaft tapers as it descends dividing at the base to form a mirrored pair of slightly irregular inward turning curls (0.116 m across). A small triangle in false relief occurs directly above these. Although currently recumbent this monument may originally have been upright. The above description is derived from the results of a survey of the archaeological monuments on Inishmurray undertaken in 1997-1999 and published in: Jerry O’Sullivan and Tomás Ó Carragáin 2008 Inishmurrary. Monks and pilgrims in an Atlantic landscape. Volume 1: Archaeological Survey and Excavations 1997-2000. Cork. The Collins Press. Date of upload: 12 March 2018

Probably dates to the early medieval period, associated with Christian monastic activity on Inishmurray. The cross-slab likely served a liturgical or commemorative function, reflecting the island's historical role as an important religious site.