Cross-slab in Inishmurray

Located in the ecclesiastical enclosure/cashel (SL001-001001-), standing 2.5 m east of Teach Molaise (SL001-001005-). Slab (H: <1.01 m, W: 0.6 m, Th: 0.15 m) with three-cross design formed from wide incisions filling the visible surface. The main cross measures 0.92 m by 0.46 m and its shaft tapers as it descends. The arms curve outwards near the crossing forming an enlarged central area in which is a false relief boss (Diam: 0.95 m). They also expand towards their terminals and these are decorated with cusped butts. The shaft base fuses with a horizontal bar (0.27 m long) at the ends of which develops a vertical cross (0.47 m by 0.185 m) in each of the lower quadrants. These smaller crosses have serifed terminals with cusped butts, exaggerated in the upper arms into a fork. 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

Date likely to the early medieval period (c. 7th–10th century), associated with Christian monastic activity on Inishmurray. The three-cross design may symbolize the Trinity or serve as a funerary or commemorative marker.