Inishkeel Carved Cross-slab with Horse and Cart

Located within a graveyard (DG064-003001-) which encloses two medieval churches, St Mary’s (DG064-003002-) and St. Connell’s (DG064-003006-), a fragment of a high cross (DG064-003008-), four cross slabs (DG064-003004-; DG064-003005-; DG064-0030009-; DG064-003010-) and a graveslab (DG064-003007-). Another cross-slab (DG064-003003-) is now missing. This complex of monuments, a National Monument in state ownership (No. 658), is located on the E side of Inishkeel Island in good pasture land. This small island which lies in a sheltered spot c. 500m offshore is accessible on foot at low tide. This slab (DG064-003010-) (1.2m × 0.47m × 0.09m) is finely decorated on both sides. A continuous band outlines a cross with expanding limbs on the E face. It is filled-in with single band interlace design. Two figure resembling those on the Drumhallagh Cross (DG028-018001-) flank either side of the bottom of the cross. Beneath the cross, two monk-like figures with extended arms bow their heads over an 'altar'. On the W face there is a similar cross. Flanking either side of the top of the cross is a swan and a figure similar to those on the E face. Beneath the cross a horse is depicted drawing a wheeled vehicle. Vague forms, possibly human, can be seen on top of the wheel. The scene is similar to that on the E face of the pedestal of the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnoise. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008