Graveslab in Inishlounaght

Inserted in the base of a wall, on the N-facing side, c. 365m NW of the C of I church of Marlfield where there are a number of medieval graveslabs associated with the Cistercian monastery (TS083-017----). A sandstone conglomerate with small quartz pebbles (max. H 0.25m; L 0.53m) identified by Neil Jackman. A fragment of a larger carving, it appears to be lying on its side. The decoration consists of three raised, slightly curving, bands (max. L 0.47m; Wth 0.03-0.04m), c. 0.02m apart, with six raised bands (average Wth 0.03m; c. 0.02-0.03m apart) running diagonally from the uppermost of the three bands. The decoration is similar to that found on slabs of Rathdown type (pers. comm. Neil Jackman 27 May 2018), found in SE Co. Dublin and neighbouring parts of Co. Wicklow. These slabs have been associated with the Vikings and date to c. 10th century (ÓhÉailidhe 1973, 51-64). The decoration is particularly reminiscent of two slabs from Rathmichael (DU026-050016-; DU026-050017-) Co. Dublin. See attached photograph: TS083-037----_01 Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 20 January 2010

Medieval Christian graveslab, likely 12th to 16th century. It is associated with the Cistercian monastery at Marlfield and reflects the funerary practices of monastic communities in Ireland.