Cross-slab (present location) in Inishmurray

This cross-slab was originally located in Templenaman graveyard (SL001-002007-); it was removed to the Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store in 1989. Slab (H: 0.69 m, W: 0.385 m, Th: 155) with incised cross with a long shaft and ringed head occupying most of the surface. The upper arms of the cross fall short of the ring (Diam: 0.2 m) and terminate in broad serifs. About half way down the shaft is the base of an outer encircling element (0.36 m by 0.27 m), shaped like an inverted teardrop, that completely surrounds the crosshead. The base of the shaft is embedded into a roughly semi-circular area in relief. The area of relief at the base may be a natural feature, but it seems to have been used as part of the design, possibly to represent Golgatha. 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: 20 February 2018

This cross-slab, dating likely to the early medieval period (7th–10th century), features a Latin cross and may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, possibly associated with early Christian worship on Inishmurray. It may also reflect the island's historical role as a monastic or religious site.