Cross-inscribed pillar in Cloon West

Cross-Inscribed Pillar Stones: (1) (KE082-020006-) This sandstone pillar, which had been broken into several pieces, was removed from KE079-020007- in the 1960s and is now in the care of the OPW. Its original location is unknown and a replica of it was erected adjacent to the leacht in 1989. The original pillar is .94m long, measuring .22m in maximum width and .09m in average thickness. Both its faces and sides bear ornamentation, as does its top surface. The first face features an equal-armed cross contained within a circular fret-pattern that is formed with interlocking T-shapes. This roundel surmounts a single-line shaft which rises from a square base enclosing a large swastika. Beneath this is a tetraskelion in a curvilinear frame. The opposite face bears a Latin cross with expanded terminals that rises from an angular base enclosed within a curvilinear frame. Beneath this is a large tetraskelion. Both sides of the pillar feature a rectilinear panel of frets formed with groups of interlocking H-, L- and T-shapes. Its upper surface bears a small, equal-armed cross with T-shaped terminals. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 938. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

This cross-inscribed pillar is likely from the Early Christian period (5th–10th century AD) and may have functioned as a memorial or waymark. The cross carving suggests a Christian association, possibly linked to early monastic or ecclesiastical activity in the area.