Inishkeel High Cross Fragment

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 fragment (1.21m × .46m × .095m) of a cross was recorded by Harbison (2002, 99) as follows: 'Among the interesting remains on the island of Inishkeel, off Portnoo, there is one fragment of a cross. It is 1.25m high, 47cm wide and 9cm deep. On its east face it bears a panel of broad interlace, framed by raised moulding at the edges. The stump of a segment of the ring can be seen at the top of the south side. The back is undecorated, but it has a vertical reveal 6cm wide and between 2 and 3cm deep at each side.' Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 6 March 2019

The Inishkeel High Cross Fragment was likely built in the 9th or 10th century, associated with the nearby medieval churches of St Mary’s and St. Connell’s; its style reflects early Christian Irish high cross traditions, and it is significant as a rare surviving element of the religious heritage of the site.