Cross-slab in Clonmacnoise

Possibly from Clonmacnoise originally.Incorporated into the Stations of the Cross along a woodland walk in the grounds of St Patrick's Redemptorist Monastery (GA084-071001-) at Esker, Athenry. This cross-slab (H c. 0.55m; Wth c. 0.35m) is cemented into the surround of the 12th Station. It bears a faint cross - only the W half of the head and the terminals at the base are are barely visible. The cross is a ringed one of three lines and the left terminal is plain and straight ended. Two circular terminals are visible at the base. The slab, which is possibly of early medieval date, is reputed to have been taken from Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly to Esker at the turn of the 20th century (SMR file). Cross-reference with GA096-177002- Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 17 February 2023

Probably dates to the early medieval period, associated with Christian monastic activity in the Clonmacnoise area. It may have originally served as a memorial or liturgical monument before being repurposed into the Stations of the Cross in the 20th century.