What is recorded here

Inscribed stone in Church Island is an inscribed stone in Church Island, County Sligo, Ireland. The rough stone measures 0.45m by 0.17m and sits in the inner doorway frame. People have called the marks ogham or Roman numerals, but neither claim is certain. The true meaning remains unknown.

Built into the inner frame of the doorway of a church (SL015-096001-). This inscribed stone was first described by Wood-Martin (1882, preface xiv) as follows: ‘The stone, rough and uneven in shape, measures eighteen inches [0.45m] by seven inches [0.17m], and is built into the wall in the inner side of the entrance door of the church.’ He sent a cast of the stone to Sir S. Ferguson who pronounced that inscription was in ogham characters, placed on the flat of the stone rather than as is usual along the edge or angles. Fennell (1904, 169) published a sketch of the inscription, and noted that ‘It has been regarded as an ogham, and again, as Roman numerals written in church text.’ The inscription does not appear to be ogham. Its exact nature, however, has not been established or its meaning deciphered. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 September 2020

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the inscribed stone may have originally served as a memorial or liturgical marker, possibly associated with an early Christian settlement. Its placement in a church doorway suggests a ritual or symbolic function, though specific folklore or meaning has not been recorded.

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