What is recorded here

Graveslab in Abbeyshrule stands upside down within the burial ground, hiding its upper carving from modern eyes. The visible face shows a four-legged animal turning its head backwards with jaws wide open, while the rear legs of a second animal appear above it. That much is known. What is lost is the completed image, the person it marked and the moment the slab was set down beside the Cistercian abbey.

Within the burial ground (LF023-113002-) c. 30m to the NE of the Cistercian abbey (LF023-113----). One of a group of four graveslabs (see also LF023-113004-, LF023-113011- and LF023-113012-). This highly decorative graveslab (H 0.5m; Wth 0.39m; T 0.12m) has been erected upside down and, as a result, the carving on its upper part is hidden. A carving of a four-legged animal with its head turned backwards and jaws wide open displaying its teeth can be seen on one face. The rear legs of a second animal are visible above it. The decoration is contained within a border of nailhead ornament. A narrow roll moulding defines the edges of the slab. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 4 June 2013

Medieval Christian graveslab, 12th–13th century. Part of a small group associated with the Cistercian abbey at Abbeyshrule, reflecting monastic burial practices and artistic traditions in medieval Ireland.

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