What is recorded here
Sheela-na-gig figure carved in relief on the SW corner of the precinct wall of Holycross Abbey (TN047-030001), located approx. 3m high above the ground on the external face of the wall facing the main public road. Described by Freitag as a 'mutilated figure on slab with traces of severe hacking. Big head, arms in front of body; slit-vulva; splayed legs with feet turned outwards' (Freitag 2004, 134).
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien.
Date of upload: 05 June 2012
Likely dating to the medieval period, the Sheela-na-gig figure is associated with themes of fertility, childbirth, and the life cycle, though its precise function or folklore remains unclear. Such figures are commonly found in monastic or ecclesiastical contexts across Ireland.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
Holycross AbbeyChurch · 17 yd
Abbey WellHoly well · 68 yd
Holycross Housepresbytery/parochial/curate's house · 70 yd
Enclosure in HolycrossEnclosure · 434 yd
Castle (Site of)Castle, unclassified · 745 yd
Beakstown HouseCastle, unclassified · 1357 yd
Cormackstown Heritage CentreMuseum · 1.6 mi
Killough Hill (site of)Mountain / peak · 2.4 mi
Wildlife CorridorWood · 2.9 mi
WoodlandWood · 3.3 mi
Clonoulty HillMountain / peak · 4.6 mi