Cross-slab in Carrowntemple

Slab 15 (SL044-056021-): a polygonal shaped slab (0.84m x 0.75m; T 0.08m) with an undressed surface, discovered in 2003 (pers. comm. M. A. Timoney). At the edge of the slab is carved an equal-armed cross (H 0.32m; Wth 0.36m) with expanded terminals. While the cross form is comparable with other Early Christian slabs some doubt exists about the date of this carving. (Mannion and Timoney 2004) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Revised by: Paul Walsh Date of revision: 28 May 2009

Probably dating to the early medieval period (5th–11th century), the cross-slab likely served a Christian commemorative or liturgical function, possibly marking a burial site or ecclesiastical boundary. Such stones are often associated with early monastic or settlement sites in Ireland.