Cross (Socket Stone) — Oldcourt (rathdown By.)

Situated on the edge of a small stream in Oldcourt Demesne; said to have been found in a nearby roadside hedge in the eighteenth century (Ó hÉalidhe 1988, 98). A tall semi-pyramidal block of granite (H 1.13m; 0.78m x 0.72m at base) with centrally placed mortice. The lower two-thirds of the E, W and S faces are framed by roll-moulding and are divided into two panels by a horizontal bar, while the upper third comprises a separately framed panel. The N face is undecorated. The lower panels all contain figure sculpture although some are badly eroded. The upper panels may have been sculpted originally. Recognisable scenes include St Michael Weighing Souls and Daniel in the Lions' Den (E face); The Fall of Adam and Eve (W face); a hunting scene and two rearing animals (S face). (Harbison 1992, 158-9; Mason 2010, 26-29). This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 143/1940). See attached photographs provided by Chris Corlett The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997), no. 990. In this instance the record has been updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 November 2012 Revised by: Claire Breen