Cross-slab in Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise grave-slab inventory (1992) number: CLN00365 Dimensions: H 0.488, W 0.492, T 0.03 The cross is made up of interlace knots joined together, four strands in all. It is a very elaborate and intericate design for a cross slab and best seen from a distance as the lines are incised not in relief. Inscription: 'FOGARTA[CH]' inscribed horizontally. Evidence of discovery: Petrie 1822. Refound 1954-58. Condition: Badly flaked. Only centre/upper/left termianls. National Monuments Service, Photo number: 81- 142, 913 Stokes, M. (1878) Christian Inscriptions in the Irish language, Vol 1, p LX, no. 146. 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), reflecting Christian symbolism and craftsmanship. The interlace knots may represent eternity, the cross as a Christian marker for a burial or sacred site.