Cross

The National Monuments Service's description

Within a graveyard (CL009-059024-) to the S of a medieval church (CL009-059023-) and to the W of a chapel (CL009-059027-). Noted by Westropp (1909, 25) a ‘curious Celtic cross’. Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 158) describes it as a ringed limestone cross (H above ground 1.18m; arm Wth 0.67m; T 0.1m) with traces of roll mouldings at the edges. The ring segments do not form a perfect circle and the armpits are small and rounded. Traces of a circular decoration at the centre of the head on the W face may have borne interlace decoration. There is another set of circles beneath it. The E face appears to be undecorated. The shaft of the cross is set in a hole in a raised slab of limestone, which forms the top of a leacht (CL009-059120-). The cross probably dates to the 12th or early 13th century (ibid.). (Large 2011)

The following image has been uploaded: CL009-059028-_01.jpg W face of cross

Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott

Date of upload: 30 March 2022

References

Large, S. 2011 A church and graveyard survey in County Clare. Database and photographic record. Clare County Council. Clare Heritage Forum. The Heritage Council.

Harbison, P. 1992 The high crosses of Ireland: an iconographical and photographic survey, 3 vols. Dublin. Royal Irish Academy. Bonn. Dr. Rudolf Habelt GMBH.

Westropp T.J. 1909 Notes on the antiquities around Kilfenora and Lehinch, Co. Clare, Part 1. North Munster Antiquarian Journal 1, 14-29.