Cross-inscribed stone

The National Monuments Service's description

In 2010 a graveyard survey carried out by Laurence Dunne recorded the following details about cross-inscribed stone No. 203 in Garfinny graveyard (KE043-228----): 'Fourteen previously unrecorded cross-slabs or simple cross inscribed headstones were plotted and recorded in Garfinny. These crosses comprise eight small unhewn stones inscribed with crosses (59, 61, 63, 77, 95, 203, 530 and 708); five 18th / 19th century cross inscribed slabs (98, 130, 347, 449 & 712) and one late stone cross (181). Cross-slab (203), of wedge shaped sandstone tapering to bottom, 0.51m x 0.31m x 0.11m. Slab deeply incised with double armed cross (Cross of Lorraine). The terminals of the arms are also crossed. The base of the shaft has a T-bar terminal while the top of the shaft extends up to the top of the stone. This cross-slab is possibly medieval in date. Other similar cross-slabs are recorded in nearby sites on the Dingle Peninsula, Raheenyhooig; Burnham and Ballymoreagh (Dunne 2010; Cuppage 1986). Double armed crosses are also recorded at St. Kieran’s on Aran More, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow and Devenish, Co. Fermanagh while a massive double armed cross forms part of the masonry on the gable of the church at Kilnaboy, Co. Clare (Wakeman 1891, 354; O’Brien & Harbison 1996, 62)' (Dunne 2010, 16-17).

See attached photograph courtesy of Laurence Dunne

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 29 June 2022

References

Dunne, L. 2010 Archaeological Survey, Garfinny, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Unpublished report for The Heritage Office, Kerry County Council (SMR file).

O'Brien, J. and Harbison, P. 1996 Ancient Ireland. London.

Cuppage, J. 1986 Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.

Wakeman, W.F. 1891 On the earlier forms of inscribed Christian crosses found in Ireland. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 21, 350-58.