Cross-slab (present location) in Inishmurray

This cross-slab was discovered in 1997 during an archaeological excavation at a small complex of monuments, known as Trahanareear, which includes a hermitage (SL001-007001-), a leacht (SL001-007002-) and an enclosure (SL001-007007-). It was found lying within the doorway of the hermitage (SL001-007001-); it appears that it had been reused to rebuild the doorway. Following the excavation, it was moved to the Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store (O’Sullivan and Ó Carragáin 2008, 227). It was described by O’Sullivan and Ó Carragáin (ibid. 178) as follows: ‘Unusually gritty slab (H: 1.09 m, W: 0.43 m, Th: 0.016 m) the upper half of which is filled with an incised cross (0.5 m by 0.32 m). At its apex the upper arm expands markedly in a semi-circular shape, terminating in three points separated by steep cusps. The other arms have irregular forked terminals with cusped butts. The stone may well have been an original feature of the leacht [SL001-007002-], though found in what appears to be a secondary or disturbed context.’ Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 23 January 2018

Dated to the early medieval period, likely between the 8th and 10th centuries, the cross-slab may have served a Christian commemorative or instructional function, reflecting the presence of monastic or hermitic activity at Trahanareear. Its association with a hermitage and leacht suggests a possible connection to local religious practice or pilgrimage traditions.