Cross-slab (present location) in Inishmurray

Brought to the Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store from Teach Molaise (SL001-001005-) in the Cashel (SL001-001001-) in 1989. Slab (H: 0.61 m, W: 0.42 m, Th: 0.06 m) with slightly shafted outline cross (0.305 m by 0.195 m) with rounded terminals. It is similar in most respects to No. 001.54 but here the cross is defined by a number of independent false relief elements rather than a continuous false relief strand. Its horizontal arms each comprise a 'C' shape, one mirroring the other, while its vertical arms are each formed from three false relief elements, two of which are not fully distinguished from the slab surface. 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

Cross-slabs are typically associated with the Early Christian period (5th–11th centuries AD) in Ireland and often mark ecclesiastical or high-status sites. This example may have originally served as a grave marker or commemorative monument, possibly linked to the monastic activity on Inishmurray.