Architectural fragment

The National Monuments Service's description

Reused and built into the inner face of the E wall of the graveyard (CL017-020002-) containing Killinaboy medieval church (CL017-020001-) and round tower (CL017-020003-). Identified in 1985 by Ian Fisher (1990, 32).  This architectural fragment, possibly 12th/13th century in date (ibid.) is a weathered but well-squared and finely worked limestone block (H 0.42m; Wth 0.21m; min. D 0.4m), set in its original vertical orientation; its base horizontal and its top broken (ibid). A precisely carved ‘large three-lobed semi-palmette leaf’ (H 0.18m) is visible in bold relief on the narrow ‘outer’ face of the block (ibid.). The leaf’s thick curving stem curls upward at the end, reaching the left arris of the block where it twists around the stem of what is probably a mirror-image leaf on the partly exposed broad face of the block. The stem on the outer face then continues to the damaged top of the block as ‘parallel roll-mouldings, with a single piece of “dogtooth” ornament (and traces of a possible second piece) in the hollow between them’ (ibid.).  Between and below the two plant stems is carved a smaller palmette leaf. Fisher (ibid., 32) noted that the architectural fragment had recently been set in a fresh bed of mortar.

 

Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Conn Herriott

 

Date of upload:  29-10-2025

References

Ua Cróinín, R. 1994 Recently discovered carving at Kilnaboy. The Other Clare 18, 15.

Fisher, I. 1990 A 13th-century architectural fragment at Killinaboy, Co. Clare. North Munster Antiquarian Journal 32, 32-34.