Cross-slab in Corr Áille

Calluragh burial ground (KE034-112003-): This site lies on the fairly steep NE slopes of Reenconnell, on the E side of the 'Saint's Road' which leads to the pilgrimage site on the summit of Brandon mountain (KE034-112001-). It consists of a roughly oval, stone-walled enclosure, within which are a clochaun, 2 leachts, a cross-slab and some graves which probably relate to the reuse of the site as a calluragh burial ground. Two clochauns, one of which contains a souterrain, lie directly outside the enclosure at NE, utilising the enclosure wall as part of their structure. Cross-slab (KE034-112006-): The visible portion of the slab measures 2.48m in length but it is broken in two, the larger section standing erect in the mound of stones, the smaller fragment lying loose beside it. Its E face is inscribed with 2 crosses, one above the other. The present lower cross is equal-armed with bifurcated terminals which form rough semi-circles; a short groove occurs 9cms below the lower arm. The present upper section of the slab, including the smaller fragment, is inscribed with a Latin cross with similar bifurcated terminals, but that at the head develops into 2 large spiral motifs which occupy the spaces between the head and arms. At present this latter cross stands on its head and it may be that the slab is not in its original position but has been re-erected upside down. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 832. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 8 August 2013