What is recorded here

That is the smallest visible fragment of a great cross, no larger than a man's two hands pressed together. It preserves only a narrow band of the frame, yet that band still carries a two-line border and a tight fret pattern, proof that the missing cross was made for close viewing rather than distant display. The centre has been lost, but the edge remains sharp enough to imagine the whole shape turning in the mind.

Clonmacnoise grave-slab inventory (1992) number: CLN00639 Dimensions: H 0.16, W 0.145, T 0.015 Two line border with a complex fret pattern. It has suffered damage since being photographed in 1954-58. No inscription. Evidence of discovery: OPW 1954-58. Condition: Fragment of a frame. National Monuments Service, Photo number: 81-303, 852. 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, given the fret pattern style typical of Christian insular art. It may have functioned as a grave marker or commemorative monument, though specific folklore or dedications are not recorded.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.