Cross-slab in Inishmurray

This cross-slab was recorded by Wakeman (1893, 91) as lying on the ‘Saint’s Bed’ (SL001-001006-) within Teach Molaise (SL001-001005-). The current whereabouts of the stone are unknown. Thin slab (H: 0.43 m, W: 0.28 m [after Wakeman]) with inscription. Wakeman says that the inscription was ‘in the Irish character’ and that the letters were ‘extremely small and closely packed, and slanting in a running-hand style.’ He was only able to decipher a few of the letters, ones which he thought ‘were probably capitals.’ His attempts at deciphering by rubbing failed and he did not illustrate the slab. 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: 20 February 2018

Probably dating to the early Christian period, the cross-slab may have had a liturgical or commemorative function within the monastic site of Teach Molaise. Its association with the 'Saint’s Bed' suggests a possible link to local Christian tradition or monastic life.