Cross-slab (present location) in Inishmurray

Brought to the Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store from Teach Molaise in the Cashel in 1989. Slab (H: 0.795 m, W: 0.36 m, Th: 0.15 m) whose upper two thirds is filled with a central cross surrounded by four crosslets. The lower two crosslets develop from a horizontal bar that forms the base of the main cross, while the slightly smaller upper crosslets develop from points midway along its horizontal arms. All of the crosses are shafted with cusped-butted serifs in the upper arms (less pronounced in the upper two crosslets). The crossings of the main cross and lower crosslets are decorated with a false relief dimpled boss. The above description is derived from the results of a survey of the archaeological monuments on Inishmurray undertaken in 1997-1999 and published in: Jerry O’Sullivan and Tomás Ó Carragáin 2008 Inishmurrary. Monks and pilgrims in an Atlantic landscape. Volume 1: Archaeological Survey and Excavations 1997-2000. Cork. The Collins Press. Date of upload: 12 March 2018

Cross-slabs are typically associated with the Early Christian period in Ireland (5th to 10th centuries AD) and often mark ecclesiastical sites or burials. The cross and crosslets may symbolize Christian devotion and could have been part of a high cross or memorial monument.