Leacht in Inishmurray

Located within an enclosure (SL001-004007-), on an eroding cliff face on the SE shoreline of Inishmurray Island. This leacht is part of a complex of monuments, named ‘Relickoran’ on the 1837 and 1912 OS 6-inch maps, a National Monument (no. 117) in state ownership. Subject to severe marine erosion, these monuments were archaeologically excavated (99E0381) over two seasons in 1999 and 2000; the results are described in detail in O’Sullivan and Ó Carragáin (2008, 251-298). Prior to the excavation, the leacht stood only 0.7 m from the eroding cliff-edge. The N half (1.95m E−W; 1.3m N−S) of the original rectangular drystone structure remained, but the S half had collapsed into the sea. It was built of massive stone blocks, well laid to form regular faces on all sides, with a core of small rubble. There were two large, edge-set flat stones at the base of the N side. There was a plain slab erected within the surface of the leacht. This may once have been inscribed, but is not recorded as a cross slab by Wakeman or other authorities. The excavation revealed that the leacht and its enclosure (SL001-004007-), as well as the adjoining enclosure (SL001-004001-), were built sometime between the early 8th century and the 12th century on a pre-existing burial ground (SL001-004003-). Following excavation, the leacht was reconstructed in by the OPW at a safer distance from the cliff edge. (O’Sullivan and Ó Carragáin 2008, 251-298). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 8 March 2018

Leacht in Inishmurray is traditionally associated with Saint Muireadhach, a 6th-century monastic founder linked to the island's early Christian heritage. The site may have been used for ritual or pilgrimage purposes, reflecting the spiritual significance of Inishmurray as a center of monastic activity in the early medieval period.