What is recorded here

Clonfert-Molua preserves a sandstone cross-slab re-used as a grave marker, its large cross and central roundel still visible beside the graveyard wall. The name means the meadow of the grave, fitting a place where St. Molua’s sixth-century monastery faded into memory and burial. The slab may have marked an earlier shrine, a monk’s tomb or the monastery gate before being reset in the Christian cemetery. In either case it records the same human act: shaping stone to keep a life visible after the buildings disappeared.

In undulating countryside. St. Molua founded a monastery here in the sixth century and he is commemorated on the 4th August. (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 277). Fragment of an east-west wall visible. No other visible surface remains. St. Molua founded a monastery at Kyle in the late sixth or early seventh century, kyle is now known as Clonfert-Molua or Cluain Ferta Moula - the meadow of the grave. This record refers to one two Early Christian cross-inscribed slabs situated in Clonfert-Molua graveyard (LA015-023002-; see also LA015-023009-). This slab is located 7m N of the S boundary wall of the graveyard and 27m W of the E boundary wall. It is a round-headed slab that was re-used as a grave-marker and is a sandstone slab (dims. 0.85m x 0.54m x 0.06m) and is decorated on its E face with a large cross with a central roundel with expanded terminals. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In this instance the record has been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 22 November 2013

Probably early medieval in date, associated with the spread of Christianity in the region, likely erected as a memorial or waymarker linked to the cult of St. Molua. Such cross-slabs often carried religious or territorial significance and may have been used in ritual or pilgrimage contexts.

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