Font in Dunsany

The decorated font that was kept in the nave of Dunsany church (ME037-019----) is now kept in the Castle (ME037-018----) for safe-keeping. The top is octagonal (ext. dim. 0.68m; H 033m), has a circular basin (int. diam. 0.5m; D 0.2m), and rests on a separate piece (H 0.17m) with slightly chamfered under-panels. The upper panels have images of two apostles in separate ogee-headed niches, together with panels devoted to the Crucifixion and the symbols of the Passion. The octagonal shaft is attached to an octagonal, pyramidal base with four mouldings, but the decoration on the under-panels and shaft are all geometric, apart from four heraldic shields held by angels. These include the arms of Plunkett and FitzGerald, a plain latin cross, and a heart pierced by two swords, which is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin. (Roe 1968, 49-55) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 10 March, 2015

The font in Dunsany is of 12th- to 13th-century Romanesque style and is dedicated to Christian baptismal use. It is significant as an example of early medieval ecclesiastical craftsmanship in Ireland.