What is recorded here

Graveslab in Rathmichael is a 1.8m stone with four cup marks and herringbone lines, fixed to the south wall of Rathmichael church on the east slopes of Carrickgollogan. It may have marked a buried person before the church gave it a permanent address. The crooked band and small cups suggest making, not merely decorating: someone pressed, cut or struck the stone until it could be read. That much is visible. The rest belongs to the dead, the makers and the village that kept the stone rather than discarded it.

This graveslab (L 1.8m x Wth 0.12m) is a mishapen Rathdown-type stone inscribed with a crooked central band on which are four cup marks. The spaces each side of the band are fitted with horizontal lines and herringbone pattern. It has been secured to the W face of the buttress on the S wall of Rathmichael church (DU026-050002-) (Ó hÉailidhe 1973, 56). The church lies on the E slopes of Carrickgollogan. See attached drawing of graveslab taken from Healy 2009, 90. To see a 3D model of this stone visit https://skfb.ly/oH8wX Compiled by: Geraldine Stout and Padraig Clancy Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 17 May 2023

Graveslab in Rathmichael is a prehistoric ritual or funerary monument, likely dating to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age, and is significant as an example of Rathdown-type stones, which are associated with ceremonial or burial practices in eastern Ireland.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.