Cross-slab in Reachlainn Uí Bhirn

This fragment was found in 1992 lying loose on the drystone structure built against the north wall of the oratory (Herity 1995, 99, No. 08) who describes it as follows: ‘Fragment of a cross slab, maximum dimensions 20.7 by 12cm; 3.3cm in thickness. At one edge of the fragment a series of three parallel grooves mark the lines of one limb of a cross, the central groove expanding into a T-shape. This was clearly a slab with an elaborate cross-motif, the remains suggest probably the most sophisticated carving of all that survive on the island, with double-ribbon outline and at least one expanded terminal, all in false relief.’ Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 2 February 2014

Likely dating to the early medieval period, this cross slab fragment may have originally formed part of a Christian monument associated with the nearby oratory. Its cross design suggests a liturgical or commemorative function, possibly linked to monastic or ecclesiastical activity in the area.