Cross-slab in Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise grave-slab inventory (1992) number: CLN00080 Dimensions: H 0.47, W 0.32, T 0.03 An outline cross with square centre and terminals. The surface of the stone has been chipped away to reveal the lighter coloured stone underneath to form the cross and inscription. Inscription: 'FERGUS' inscribed on either side of the cross stem terminal. Evidence of discovery: Petrie 1822. Lost before 1872, refound by Macalister 1949. Condition: Complete but showing some weathering. National Monuments Service, Photo number: 81-295, 471 Stokes, M. (1878) Christian Inscriptions in the Irish language, Vol 1, p XXVII, no. 67 Lionard, Early Irish Grave-slabs, PRIA 60(1959-60), p 113, Fig 10, no. 2. The Clonmacnoise inventory was compiled by the Office of Public Works. A copy of the record for this slab is available for inspection in the relevant Archaeological Survey of Ireland (SMR) file. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Date likely to the early medieval period (7th–10th century AD), associated with Christian monastic activity at Clonmacnoise. The cross may have served as a grave marker or commemorative monument, reflecting the spread of Christianity in early Ireland.