Cross-slab in Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise grave-slab inventory (1992) number: CLN00153 Dimensions: H 0.498, W 0.375, T 0.018 An outline ring cross with square centre. The ring links up the square terminals. The slab may have had an elongated cross stem or have been as Petrie had it. There is a small mark in the centre perhaps related to layout. Inscription: Only a fraction of an inscription seen by Petrie 'L[ATICEN'. Evidence of discovery: Petrie 1846 Condition: Though complete in Petrie's time, only half now. National Monuments Service, Photo number: 81-53, 679 Stokes, M. (1878) Christian Inscriptions in the Irish language, Vol 1, p XXVII, no. 68 Lionard, Early Irish Grave-slabs, PRIA 60(1959-60), p 120, Fig 15, 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, consistent with early Christian insular art. The ring cross may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, reflecting the religious significance of Clonmacnoise as a monastic site.