Cross-slab in Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise grave-slab inventory (1992) number: CLN00189 Dimensions: H 0.43, W 0.425, T 0.025 An outline ring cross with hollow angles and looped terminals. Petrie, who saw it more complete, suggested a border (?). Inscription: 'OR D[O] MAICHTE[CH]' in two lines across the upper arm of the cross. Badly worn. Evidence of discovery: Petrie 1872. Condition: Very worn. Right arm and stem of cross broken off. National Monuments Service, Photo number: 81- 258, 267, 268, 859 Lionard, Early Irish Grave-slabs, PRIA 60(1959-60), p 120, Fig 15, no. 2 Stokes, M. (1878) Christian Inscriptions in the Irish language, Vol 1, p II, no. 5. 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 8th–10th century AD, reflecting the early Christian period in Ireland. The ring cross may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, common in monastic sites like Clonmacnoise, and may be associated with Christian burial or territorial markers.