Gallaunakilleen

A short distance to W of the childrens burial ground (KE089-010003-) is the low cairn and cross-inscribed ogham stone. The former rises to a height of 1.05m and is sub-circular in plan; 6.8m NW-SE x 6.2m NE-SW. It is locally reputed to mark the grave (KE089-010004-) of Liar Dearg (IFC Schools' Collection). The ogham stone stands 1.45m high, and measures .35m x .07m at base. It is of regular rectangular elevation and it inclines strongly to S. Its dexter angle bears an inscription which reads: DOVATTAC AV(I] . . . ILEH The first T is difficult to discern because of the rough quartz surface on the edge of the stone. Spalling of the edge has also removed some of the notches of the first I. The area preceding the second I is also eroded. There is a very neatly executed, encircled Maltese cross on the upper face of the stone. The grooved circle does not quite attain compass-drawn perfection, nor do the arcs of the unevenly recessed cross which throws the four background truncated petals into relief. If not a natural feature, the small curve which extends from the sinister side of the upper arm of the cross may represent the rho element of the chi-rho symbol. The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 957. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 12 June 2013

Likely dating to the Early Christian period, the cross-inscribed ogham stone suggests a funerary or commemorative function, possibly associated with the nearby children's burial ground. Such stones often marked sacred or ritual sites, and may have had both religious and territorial significance.