What is recorded here

Inishkeel Carved Cross-slab with Horse and Cart stands on a small island off County Donegal, reachable only when the tide pulls back. Its west face carries a strange image: a horse pulling a wheeled vehicle with vague human shapes riding the wheel. That uncommon scene, paired with solemn bowing figures on the other side, makes the slab feel less like a tomb marker and more like a memory of journey, labour, or passage between worlds.

Located within a graveyard (DG064-003001-) which encloses two medieval churches, St Mary’s (DG064-003002-) and St. Connell’s (DG064-003006-), a fragment of a high cross (DG064-003008-), four cross slabs (DG064-003004-; DG064-003005-; DG064-0030009-; DG064-003010-) and a graveslab (DG064-003007-). Another cross-slab (DG064-003003-) is now missing. This complex of monuments, a National Monument in state ownership (No. 658), is located on the E side of Inishkeel Island in good pasture land. This small island which lies in a sheltered spot c. 500m offshore is accessible on foot at low tide. This slab (DG064-003010-) (1.2m × 0.47m × 0.09m) is finely decorated on both sides. A continuous band outlines a cross with expanding limbs on the E face. It is filled-in with single band interlace design. Two figure resembling those on the Drumhallagh Cross (DG028-018001-) flank either side of the bottom of the cross. Beneath the cross, two monk-like figures with extended arms bow their heads over an 'altar'. On the W face there is a similar cross. Flanking either side of the top of the cross is a swan and a figure similar to those on the E face. Beneath the cross a horse is depicted drawing a wheeled vehicle. Vague forms, possibly human, can be seen on top of the wheel. The scene is similar to that on the E face of the pedestal of the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnoise. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Dated to the 9th–11th century, the Inishkeel Carved Cross-slab with Horse and Cart likely reflects early Christian symbolism, possibly representing a biblical or legendary scene, or a local narrative associated with pilgrimage or transport. Such imagery may also connect to folklore or the veneration of saints in the region.

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